Author Description

Budget 2011 sets out the action the Government will take in three areas: maintaining a strong and stable economy; encouraging growth; and delivering fairness. Chapter 1 outlines how the measures in the Budget advance the Government's long-term goals. Chapter 2 provides a brief description of all Budget policy decisions. The decisions have a neutral impact on the public finances, implementing fiscal consolidation as planned. Growth is forecast to be 1.7 per cent in 2011, but the outlook for the public finances is broadly unchanged. Measures are outlined on: personal tax; corporate taxes; tax measures affecting charities; indirect taxes (tobacco, alcohol, fuel and gambling duties, other transport taxes, landfill, VAT); tax reliefs; anti-avoidance; tax administration and banking. Action to promote growth include (a) creating the most competitive tax system in G20, with reductions in corporation tax, simplification of the tax system, and consultation on integrating the operation of income tax and National Insurance; (b) measures to facilitate and support the starting up of businesses - removal of regulatory burdens, implementing Lord Young's proposals on health and safety, expansion of investment schemes and other financial support, streamlining the planning system, investing in science capital development; (c) encouraging investment and exports through establishing 21 new enterprise zones, extra funding for new rail projects and pothole repair; (d) creation of a more educated, flexible workforce, with additional work experience places and apprenticeships. Fairness is addressed through various tax and pension changes. Appendix A examines the impact on households. A number of supporting documents are published alongside the Budget.