IMF urges fiscal discipline as elections loom around world
The Guardian|April 18, 2024
The International Monetary Fund has issued a strong warning to Britain and other countries facing elections this year to avoid voter giveaways that might pose risks to their public finances.
Larry Elliott
IMF urges fiscal discipline as elections loom around world

In its half-yearly fiscal monitor, the fund (IMF) said the reduction in national insurance contributions (NICs) announced by Jeremy Hunt in his budget last month may have already made cutting the UK's national debt more difficult.

There is speculation the chancellor might announce further tax cuts ahead of an autumn election but the fiscal monitor makes it clear this would be against the advice of IMF officials.

This story is from the April 18, 2024 edition of The Guardian.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the April 18, 2024 edition of The Guardian.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE GUARDIANView All
Roma On The Frontline Calls To End Prejudice After The War
The Guardian

Roma On The Frontline Calls To End Prejudice After The War

Growing up in Ukraine, Arsen Mednik often found himself singled out - at school, children would point at him, calling him "Gypsy", while employers were often reluctant to hire him when they learned he was Roma.

time-read
3 mins  |
April 30, 2024
Hamas Urged To Accept 'Generous' Ceasefire Plan
The Guardian

Hamas Urged To Accept 'Generous' Ceasefire Plan

The US secretary of state has said "the only thing standing between the people of Gaza and a ceasefire" is Hamas, in the run-up to what are considered to be last-chance talks to salvage a diplomatic solution before a threatened Israeli ground invasion in Rafah.

time-read
4 mins  |
April 30, 2024
Bellingham's Duel With Kane A Reminder Of Divergent Paths
The Guardian

Bellingham's Duel With Kane A Reminder Of Divergent Paths

For all the Bayern forward's excellence, his England teammate's meteoric rise is alesson in seizing the day

time-read
4 mins  |
April 30, 2024
Bayern beset by discord with Eberl cast into The Thick of It
The Guardian

Bayern beset by discord with Eberl cast into The Thick of It

Club legend's criticism of Tuchel before semi-final first leg tonight provides head of sport with difficult welcome

time-read
4 mins  |
April 30, 2024
Raya rising to occasion for Arsenal despite derby blip
The Guardian

Raya rising to occasion for Arsenal despite derby blip

The goalkeeper relishes title pressure and remained composed after his mistake gifted Tottenham a goal

time-read
3 mins  |
April 30, 2024
Vardy double helps seal title as Leicester crown top-flight return
The Guardian

Vardy double helps seal title as Leicester crown top-flight return

Enzo Maresca has changed a lot to take Leicester back to the Premier League at the first time of asking but it seemed inevitable Jamie Vardy would have the final say, scoring a double in a 3-0 win to help secure the Championship title at Preston.

time-read
3 mins  |
April 30, 2024
Chaos theory Why the IPL has descended into an arcade-style hitting contest
The Guardian

Chaos theory Why the IPL has descended into an arcade-style hitting contest

I've been kind of watching the Indian Premier League for the last five weeks.

time-read
4 mins  |
April 30, 2024
Border checks Physical inspections begin on animal and plant imports
The Guardian

Border checks Physical inspections begin on animal and plant imports

After more than three years of delays, today finally sees the introduction of physical checks on animal and plant imports coming into Britain from the EU.

time-read
3 mins  |
April 30, 2024
Vinted puts on glad rags as sales soar to €600m
The Guardian

Vinted puts on glad rags as sales soar to €600m

The online secondhand fashion seller Vinted has reported a 61% rise in sales to almost €600m (£513m), taking the company out of the red for the first time amid a boom in demand for \"pre-loved\" clothing.

time-read
1 min  |
April 30, 2024
Jeepney drivers begin strike over Philippine modernisation plan
The Guardian

Jeepney drivers begin strike over Philippine modernisation plan

A three-day strike by jeepney drivers in the Philippines began yesterday as transport groups warned that thousands could be pushed off the roads by government modernisation plans.

time-read
2 mins  |
April 30, 2024