We need a Budget that gives hope to Britain

Ahead of next week's Autumn Budget the Liberal Democrats have set out their economic strategy to deliver a modern, forward-looking, outward-facing economy which will offer opportunities to young people and higher living standards for everyone.

On Wednesday (22 November 2017), the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, will present his Budget to the House of Commons.

With incomes squeezed, prices rising and an unacceptable increase in the number of working families struggling to cope, the Conservatives can no longer call themselves the party of economic credibility.

A Liberal Democrat budget would commit to the following:

• Increase capital spending, particularly on transport infrastructure and large-scale housebuilding. Borrowing to finance productive investment at very low-interest rates is financially responsible and good for the economy.
• Put a penny on each pound included for income tax to raise £6bn a year for the NHS
• Introduce a lifelong learning endowment to enable every 18-year-old to fund their own training and professional development
• Reform business tax and clampdown on tax havens; including through a public register of beneficial ownership for Overseas Territories

We believe that these are essential actions that we need to take right now to address the weaknesses in our economy and to prepare us for the future.