UK Budget 2005
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UK public sector finances weaker than expected
The public finances were weaker than expected in February, leaving open the question of whether Gordon Brown will meet his fiscal rules in this economic cycle.
Brown predicts growth of up to 3.5%
Chancellor expects above trend growth
Related content and features
At a glance
Reaction to the speech
What did business organisations, pressure groups and trade unions think about Gordon Brown’s ninth Budget?
Sketch
Brown offers medley of greatest hits
The big question hanging over this Budget was would it be Gordon Brown's last? So, naturally, one was watching for something of a valedictory from the chancellor...
Analysis
What next for Gordon Brown?
Speculation about a move to the Foreign Office should not be discounted but allies insist the architect of Labour?s economic reforms will stay at the Treasury. First there is a general election campaign to be fought.
Chris Giles
Argument on forecasts unresolved
As confident as ever in the infallibility of his public finance forecasts, Gordon Brown dismissed all talk of black holes in the books and crowed about his ability to meet his rules on borrowing and debt.
Lex
Lex: Tarnishing the Golden Rule
Gordon Brown’s ninth budget gave little joy either to taxpayers or his critics. But it did allow him to declare, with some satisfaction, that he had met his golden rule, to borrow only to invest over the economic cycle.
Historical comparisons
Previous Budget measures
Compare the measures announced in today’s pre-election Budget with measures introduced by the chancellor in successive Budgets from 1999 to 2005.
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