Britain | Rule intentions
What fiscal rules should Britain have?
Labour has chosen its framework. Could it be better?
Not many politicians last more than a few years in charge. Short tenures give rise to temptation: to borrow money now and leave the next lot to foot the bill. Economists call this “deficit bias”, the fiscal equivalent of St Augustine’s prayer: “Lord, make me chaste. But not yet.”
Explore more
This article appeared in the Britain section of the print edition under the headline “Rule intentions”
Britain March 30th 2024
From the March 30th 2024 edition
Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents
Explore the editionMore from Britain
The race to become leader of Britain’s Conservatives
An exhausted party seems to think that it doesn’t have to change
How deep is Britain’s fiscal “black hole”?
Rachel Reeves sets out her first big decisions as chancellor
Shabana Mahmood, Britain’s new Lord Chancellor
The new justice secretary is both progressive and religious
How King Charles III counts his swans
A ritual that pleases conservationists and annoys the birds
Britain’s army chief fears war may come sooner than anyone thinks
Could the army cope without more money and troops?