UK Budget 2008 - Wish list
Resources
Special features
Budget guide: What to expect
Economics editor Chris Giles sets out a comprehensive checklist of the measures the budget will bring
PricewaterhouseCoopers: Time for clarity and consolidation
With over 30 changes already scheduled to take effect from April 2008, it is hoped this year’s Budget will consolidate the existing programme of changes to the tax system rather than introduce further changes
KPMG: Between a Rock and a hard place
Given current economic uncertainties it may be best to opt for a neutral package. Cutting taxes looks dangerous on public finance grounds but raising them carries economic risks, says chief economist Andrew Smith
CBI: Tighten public spending by £6bn
The CBI calls for tightened public spending from 2009 to start to repair the public finances; measures to rebuild the government’s enterprise credentials and improvements to the government’s fiscal policy
Work Foundation: Increase public investment in R&D
In the current climate, I fear fiscal stinginess may be matched by intellectual stinginess, too. Alastair Darling’s safe hands have eluded him recently, so this is likely to be a steady state affair, an attempt to recover a reputation for competence, says chief executive Will Hutton
Greenpeace: ‘Feed in tariff’ for renewable technologies
The chancellor should follow Germany in introducing a ‘feed in tariff’ for renewable generating technologies; provide pump priming investment for promising new technologies; and make the most of the readily available, inexpensive carbon dioxide reductions from energy efficiency investment, says senior climate advisor Charlie Kronick.
TUC: Abolish tax advantages for non-doms
The TUC is hoping that the chancellor stands firm on his proposals for the non-domicile tax regime. Indeed, we would like him to go further and abolish non-dom arrangements altogether, says general secretary Brendan Barber
EEF: Cut business tax to 25 per cent
The budget needs to restore the damage done by the botched capital gains tax reforms by sending out a signal that the government understands the needs of business for a simple, predictive and competitive tax system, says chief economist Steve Radley
IoD: Tax rates are not low enough
The existing fiscal rules have not prevented a surge in public spending as a proportion of GDP. Neither are they sufficient to ensure a reversal in this upward trend. It is time for a change in the fiscal framework, says chief and director of policy Graeme Leach
Ernst and Young: Defer implementation of non-doms tax
The proposed rules for non-domiciled residents may well provide clarity for some, but many others will still face fundamental uncertainty over how their tax position will change. The chancellor should defer the implementation of the proposals to allow taxpayers time to make informed decisions, says head of tax Paul Davies
