Today’s inflation figures bring more good news for the government. CPI inflation is now down at 1.7 per cent, the lowest rate in four years and below the Bank of England’s target – so making it less likely that interest rates will rise before the next election. Inflation as measured by RPI is 2.7 per cent, down from last month’s 2.6 per cent. With Osborne’s pensioner bonds, which will offer 4 per cent return, the Tories can now have their interest rate cake and eat it.
Adding to the buoyant mood in coalition circles is that Labour still hasn’t worked out its critique of the Budget. I’m told that Labour have not yet informed the government whips which Budget resolutions they intend to vote against. Normally, this information would have been relayed last night.
Ed Miliband has always liked to take his time over big decisions. But the Tories are now trying to harry him into making them.
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