The Autumn Statement 2013 – Preview

The Government’s plans to secure the economic recovery are set to be revealed at the Autumn Statement 2013 on Thursday 5th December by Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne. Whilst in Washington attending the International Monetary Fund’s annual meeting, Osborne told reporters: “I still sit round that table at the G-20 with one of the highest budget deficits. Britain continues to have some very serious public finance challenges that need to be addressed, and although we’ve brought the deficit down by a third it’s still too high. Where we’ve got resources available we’ve got to make sure we’re doing what we can to reduce the deficit.” The Office for Budget Responsibility’s forecasts in March this year, used as a basis of the plans, showed a prediction of 0.6% economic growth in 2013, prompting Osborne to say he will announce revised budget forecasts and details of new measures at the Autumn Statement. He also stated: “We have a clear economic plan; we’ve stuck to that plan. I’m very far from feeling the job is done. We’re still in the very early stages of the recovery.” Surveys suggest actual growth figures for 2013 were better than expected, seeing the expansion of around 1.4% as opposed to the OBR’s prediction of 0.6%. Common preconceptions of what the Autumn Statement may reveal include further cuts to the annual pension allowance, a rise in the personal allowance, a 5% drop in income tax for those earning over £150,000, an increase in National Insurance Contributions for the self-employed, and introducing the recognition of marriage within the tax system. What plans would you like to see revealed? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter