@theeconomiclens.bsky.social
Good to see some improving news
BREAKING NEWS:
The UK manufacturing sector returns to growth.
The UK’s factory sector returned to growth last month for the first time in over a year.
Output across the sector rose last month, and business optimism has hit a nine-month high.
The UK manufacturing sector returns to growth.
The UK’s factory sector returned to growth last month for the first time in over a year.
Output across the sector rose last month, and business optimism has hit a nine-month high.
a man in a suit and tie is clapping his hands and saying `` bravo '' .
ALT: a man in a suit and tie is clapping his hands and saying `` bravo '' .
media.tenor.com
December 1, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Good to see some improving news
So #Budget2025 eh?
Well - the buffer is up to £22bn, so that’s good I suppose but isn’t the £30bn it needs to be so they are still susceptible to small headwinds. Of those, the productivity forecasts look too high still
Well - the buffer is up to £22bn, so that’s good I suppose but isn’t the £30bn it needs to be so they are still susceptible to small headwinds. Of those, the productivity forecasts look too high still
November 26, 2025 at 5:48 PM
So #Budget2025 eh?
Well - the buffer is up to £22bn, so that’s good I suppose but isn’t the £30bn it needs to be so they are still susceptible to small headwinds. Of those, the productivity forecasts look too high still
Well - the buffer is up to £22bn, so that’s good I suppose but isn’t the £30bn it needs to be so they are still susceptible to small headwinds. Of those, the productivity forecasts look too high still
There is a lot of speculation about the measures in the budget. Rather than speculating what will be in I want to discuss what I’d like the budget to do overall (maybe with some focus on the speculations)!
First - they need a buffer that is nearer £30bn than £25bn.
First - they need a buffer that is nearer £30bn than £25bn.
November 24, 2025 at 10:07 AM
There is a lot of speculation about the measures in the budget. Rather than speculating what will be in I want to discuss what I’d like the budget to do overall (maybe with some focus on the speculations)!
First - they need a buffer that is nearer £30bn than £25bn.
First - they need a buffer that is nearer £30bn than £25bn.
This is really good move, helping to curb inflation. Reducing fares would also boost productivity but this is a good first step. But it can’t be a one off, rail fares have been economically damaging for years and freezing for one year won’t be enough to counteract that
Rail fares will be frozen for the first time in 30 years. Heidi Alexander says it’s to ease the cost-of-living squeeze, with ministers also moving to bring train firms into public ownership and set up Great British Railways to boost reliability and keep travel affordable. #ukpolitics
November 23, 2025 at 12:02 PM
This is really good move, helping to curb inflation. Reducing fares would also boost productivity but this is a good first step. But it can’t be a one off, rail fares have been economically damaging for years and freezing for one year won’t be enough to counteract that
The chancellor says she isn’t sure “what the popular path is” for the budget anymore🤯That shouldn’t even be a consideration when trying to figure out the best way forward. She also says “we can’t just carry on like this and muddle through” when all leaks on the budget show they’re muddling though🤯🤯🤯
November 21, 2025 at 12:16 PM
The chancellor says she isn’t sure “what the popular path is” for the budget anymore🤯That shouldn’t even be a consideration when trying to figure out the best way forward. She also says “we can’t just carry on like this and muddle through” when all leaks on the budget show they’re muddling though🤯🤯🤯
Another day, another set of dire economic figures. Energy price cap going up (marginally, despite expectations of small fall) and borrowing is £bns above forecast. With government is looking for a wide set of small economy harming tax rises in budget my optimism on the UK economy has finally run out
November 21, 2025 at 8:38 AM
Another day, another set of dire economic figures. Energy price cap going up (marginally, despite expectations of small fall) and borrowing is £bns above forecast. With government is looking for a wide set of small economy harming tax rises in budget my optimism on the UK economy has finally run out
‘Uninvestable’ UK takes 30 years to do a nine-month project, says billionaire - This is true. It’s not just the time but also the expense just for a planning application. Growtj will struggle while this problem remains apple.news/AjYkmmWKgR06...
‘Uninvestable’ UK takes 30 years to do a nine-month project, says billionaire — The Telegraph
Jonathan Oppenheimer blames slow decision-making and planning rules for lack of investment
apple.news
November 20, 2025 at 7:51 AM
‘Uninvestable’ UK takes 30 years to do a nine-month project, says billionaire - This is true. It’s not just the time but also the expense just for a planning application. Growtj will struggle while this problem remains apple.news/AjYkmmWKgR06...
UK inflation fell in October to 3.6% in line with expectations. The fall from 3.8% was driven by energy prices which rose more slowly this year than last.
However, a rise in food inflation from 4.5% to 4.9% will worry the BoE and make a rate cut much less likely.
However, a rise in food inflation from 4.5% to 4.9% will worry the BoE and make a rate cut much less likely.
November 19, 2025 at 7:39 AM
UK inflation fell in October to 3.6% in line with expectations. The fall from 3.8% was driven by energy prices which rose more slowly this year than last.
However, a rise in food inflation from 4.5% to 4.9% will worry the BoE and make a rate cut much less likely.
However, a rise in food inflation from 4.5% to 4.9% will worry the BoE and make a rate cut much less likely.
Now it’s being actively briefed that Reeves wants to tax banks more to fill the hole she’ll have by not taxing income. This had been off the table because she wants the banks to lend and support the economy.
There are so many of the taxes that wouldn’t be necessary if she just raised income tax
There are so many of the taxes that wouldn’t be necessary if she just raised income tax
November 18, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Now it’s being actively briefed that Reeves wants to tax banks more to fill the hole she’ll have by not taxing income. This had been off the table because she wants the banks to lend and support the economy.
There are so many of the taxes that wouldn’t be necessary if she just raised income tax
There are so many of the taxes that wouldn’t be necessary if she just raised income tax
Stock market = down 📉
Borrowing costs = up 📈
The markets liked it when they thought there was a sensible plan to deal with finances. They don’t like it when there isn’t. I hope they listen.
The best thing she can do now is do a speech this afternoon laying out when income tax rises are necessary
Borrowing costs = up 📈
The markets liked it when they thought there was a sensible plan to deal with finances. They don’t like it when there isn’t. I hope they listen.
The best thing she can do now is do a speech this afternoon laying out when income tax rises are necessary
November 14, 2025 at 8:49 AM
Stock market = down 📉
Borrowing costs = up 📈
The markets liked it when they thought there was a sensible plan to deal with finances. They don’t like it when there isn’t. I hope they listen.
The best thing she can do now is do a speech this afternoon laying out when income tax rises are necessary
Borrowing costs = up 📈
The markets liked it when they thought there was a sensible plan to deal with finances. They don’t like it when there isn’t. I hope they listen.
The best thing she can do now is do a speech this afternoon laying out when income tax rises are necessary
Reposted
This is not suggestive of ‘build, build, build’.
UK construction employment was 2.05 million in 2025 Q3; 1.3% lower than in Q2 & 4.1% lower than in Q1, before the house building slowdown & employers’ National Insurance Contributions rise, & lower thresholds, in April, according to the ONS. (1/n)
#ukhousing #ukconstruction
#ukhousing #ukconstruction
November 11, 2025 at 10:23 AM
This is not suggestive of ‘build, build, build’.
A softening Labour market and reduced wage growth (which is due to have large public sector increases fall out the numbers) makes an interest rate cut more likely. But the bigger factor is what inflation comes in at next week
November 11, 2025 at 11:02 AM
A softening Labour market and reduced wage growth (which is due to have large public sector increases fall out the numbers) makes an interest rate cut more likely. But the bigger factor is what inflation comes in at next week
China has recognised the economic potential of green energy and is running with it. If the rest of the world truly wants energy independence then we need to focus on these green jobs of the future and not keep falling back on more fossil fuel exploration
This a big deal: "China’s carbon dioxide emissions have been flat or falling for 18 months"
China's economy has grown by ~5% in the last year, so this comprehensively debunks the idea (again) that emissions are tied to growth. So yes, faster progress needed, but this is how you turn the corner.
China's economy has grown by ~5% in the last year, so this comprehensively debunks the idea (again) that emissions are tied to growth. So yes, faster progress needed, but this is how you turn the corner.
China’s CO2 emissions have been flat or falling for past 18 months, analysis finds
World’s biggest polluter on track to hit peak emissions target early but miss goal for cutting carbon intensity
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 10:08 AM
China has recognised the economic potential of green energy and is running with it. If the rest of the world truly wants energy independence then we need to focus on these green jobs of the future and not keep falling back on more fossil fuel exploration
Reposted
Solar’s price drop is astonishing: panels are now 98% cheaper than when I first analyzed them in 2004.
Today, building a fence with solar can be cheaper than using wood.
Today, building a fence with solar can be cheaper than using wood.
November 10, 2025 at 8:10 AM
Solar’s price drop is astonishing: panels are now 98% cheaper than when I first analyzed them in 2004.
Today, building a fence with solar can be cheaper than using wood.
Today, building a fence with solar can be cheaper than using wood.
Bank of England hold rates as expected. October inflation figures and what’s in the budget will be hugely important for the decision in December
November 6, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Bank of England hold rates as expected. October inflation figures and what’s in the budget will be hugely important for the decision in December
They keep talking about the “50 year taboo” of not raising income tax, but several chancellors have raised national insurance so it’s a bit disingenuous to say income tax rates haven’t gone up while ignoring the same thing with a slightly different name.
November 4, 2025 at 10:07 AM
They keep talking about the “50 year taboo” of not raising income tax, but several chancellors have raised national insurance so it’s a bit disingenuous to say income tax rates haven’t gone up while ignoring the same thing with a slightly different name.
Rishi Sunak advising the Chancellor. When he was Chancellor he correctly predicted inflation but then linked more debt to inflation…!?! So I don’t expect to agree with him but the quote below is one thing he does have completely right apple.news/Aqz8Qg5JLSB2...
Rishi Sunak: Reeves mustn’t correct her £10bn error with tax rises — The Times and The Sunday Times
Pre-budget purdah is going the same way as chancellors reaching for Dutch courage at the despatch box. Rachel Reeves has been out discussing the trade-offs she faces ahead of November 26, and rightly,...
apple.news
October 27, 2025 at 7:18 AM
Rishi Sunak advising the Chancellor. When he was Chancellor he correctly predicted inflation but then linked more debt to inflation…!?! So I don’t expect to agree with him but the quote below is one thing he does have completely right apple.news/Aqz8Qg5JLSB2...
Reposted
(if anyone would like to maybe start some sort of campaigning or pressure group of and on behalf of immigrants with ILR and settled status in Britain then I would be interested in helping, or indeed trying to get it off the ground myself, email in bio, etc)
October 22, 2025 at 9:55 AM
(if anyone would like to maybe start some sort of campaigning or pressure group of and on behalf of immigrants with ILR and settled status in Britain then I would be interested in helping, or indeed trying to get it off the ground myself, email in bio, etc)
Having been expected to increase to over 4% inflation remained at 3.8% for September U.K. figures released show, with falls in food price inflation offset by bigger increases in fuel. While it’s welcome that inflation didn’t increase it doesn’t change the overall picture.
October 22, 2025 at 6:45 AM
Having been expected to increase to over 4% inflation remained at 3.8% for September U.K. figures released show, with falls in food price inflation offset by bigger increases in fuel. While it’s welcome that inflation didn’t increase it doesn’t change the overall picture.
Bad news but not terrible. This is only £0.1bn above the OBR projection but taken over several months confirms taxes will rise in the budget. Will she do income tax or try to fix it with 50 small taxes that are damaging to businesses? Oh, there’s also the inflation figure tomorrow
More bad news for Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
UK Borrowing – the difference between total public sector spending and income – was £20.2 billion in September 2025; this was £1.6 billion (or 8.6%) more than in September 2024 and the highest September borrowing since 2020.
UK Borrowing – the difference between total public sector spending and income – was £20.2 billion in September 2025; this was £1.6 billion (or 8.6%) more than in September 2024 and the highest September borrowing since 2020.
October 21, 2025 at 8:19 AM
Bad news but not terrible. This is only £0.1bn above the OBR projection but taken over several months confirms taxes will rise in the budget. Will she do income tax or try to fix it with 50 small taxes that are damaging to businesses? Oh, there’s also the inflation figure tomorrow
This is exactly right - Brexit has compounded all the problems. Lets take energy as an example. The weaker exchange that happened the day of the vote has meant we are paying significantly more for all the dollar priced oil and gas
Delicious smackdown of Tory MP by our @pimlicat.bsky.social.
"It's fantasy economics to suggest anything other than leaving the single market has detrimentally impacted our economy... It is finally the political discourse catching up with economic reality."
Plus that little barb at the end... 💅🏽~AA
"It's fantasy economics to suggest anything other than leaving the single market has detrimentally impacted our economy... It is finally the political discourse catching up with economic reality."
Plus that little barb at the end... 💅🏽~AA
October 20, 2025 at 3:33 PM
This is exactly right - Brexit has compounded all the problems. Lets take energy as an example. The weaker exchange that happened the day of the vote has meant we are paying significantly more for all the dollar priced oil and gas
Reposted
"The government needs to take ownership of the Budget and use it to construct a convincing narrative. That means not blaming the OBR or HMT but explaining why tax reform is necessary, why it will be good for growth and public services and how pain will be fairly shared.
www.ft.com/content/a06d...
www.ft.com/content/a06d...
Blaming the OBR for the Budget maths is a waste of time
The government must explain why tax reform is necessary and desirable for fiscal sustainability
www.ft.com
October 20, 2025 at 6:36 AM
"The government needs to take ownership of the Budget and use it to construct a convincing narrative. That means not blaming the OBR or HMT but explaining why tax reform is necessary, why it will be good for growth and public services and how pain will be fairly shared.
www.ft.com/content/a06d...
www.ft.com/content/a06d...
Reposted
I am a little worried, however, that in a couple of episodes in the last couple of months, I have let my frustration bubble through the calm nuance that is meant to be the podcast's philosophy. But rants like this just seem to EMIT from me at the moment.
October 19, 2025 at 1:18 PM
I am a little worried, however, that in a couple of episodes in the last couple of months, I have let my frustration bubble through the calm nuance that is meant to be the podcast's philosophy. But rants like this just seem to EMIT from me at the moment.
I keep saying, and this confirms it. In the budget Reeves needs to raise income tax and cut welfare spend (this can be done over the parliament so is properly thought through and not rushed). This will help bring down inflation and needs to be enough to create £30bn buffer apple.news/AfyExr4KRRam...
‘This is not a blip’: Markets punish Britain for losing its way — The Telegraph
As the UK’s weak growth and high debt invite crisis, experts say Reeves must deliver at the Budget
apple.news
October 19, 2025 at 9:50 AM
I keep saying, and this confirms it. In the budget Reeves needs to raise income tax and cut welfare spend (this can be done over the parliament so is properly thought through and not rushed). This will help bring down inflation and needs to be enough to create £30bn buffer apple.news/AfyExr4KRRam...
Reposted
Rachel Reeves, just tell voters why taxes must go up – and then do it | Polly Toynbee
Rachel Reeves, just tell voters why taxes must go up – and then do it | Polly Toynbee
The Thatcherite notion of tax as wicked must be challenged in the upcoming budget. Target unearned wealth; explain that tax creates a decent society, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee
www.theguardian.com
October 14, 2025 at 9:35 AM
Rachel Reeves, just tell voters why taxes must go up – and then do it | Polly Toynbee