UK Budget 2005 - Run-up news
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Four in 10 voters want tax and spending cuts
More than four in 10 voters believe spending and taxation should be cut, according to an opinion poll that suggests support for investment in services may be waning.
Brown set to avoid Budget giveaway
Gordon Brown will this week put his stewardship of the economy at the centre of the general election campaign, with a Budget that eschews a tax giveaways in favour of long term investment.
Brown poised to highlight Labour's spending
Gordon Brown is set to use the Budget to highlight how Labour would spend £35bn more than the Tories to equip Britain for the economic challenges posed by the rise of Asian economies.
Tories and Lib Dems put need to simplify tax system in spotlight
The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats are throwing a powerful spotlight on the need for simplification of the tax system, with both parties outlining pre-election initiatives to make taxation of individuals and companies simpler and fairer.
Council tax battle could focus on poorer pensioners
High on Gordon Brown's list of Budget options will be action to take the sting out of the council tax, already a central issue of the election campaign for both opposition parties.
Brown ally signals Budget will bring tax breaks
Gordon Brown will be able to offer a package of tax breaks and spending rises in this month's pre-election Budget, one of his closest allies signalled.
Brown gets £2.1bn leeway on ‘golden rule’
Gordon Brown has received additional leeway worth £2.1bn to meet his golden rule ahead of his pre-election budget in two week’s time thanks to revisions by the government’s statistics office.
Brown views Budget as an election primer
Gordon Brown is to use the Budget next month as a springboard for the general election, placing himself squarely at the centre of Labour's campaign for a third term in office.
Brown warned of big rise in council tax
Local authorities have warned Gordon Brown they will need an extra £1.5bn next year to hold down council tax, raising the prospect of steep rises in bills. The...
Budget boost for Brown as public finances improve
Bumper revenues from companies and income tax self assessment in January have improved the outlook for public finances ahead of next month's Budget.
