Amid the debate over what John Healey should do in the next Budget, the answer is straightforward: cut taxes and cut public spending, according to columnist Virginia Blackburn.
Writing in the Daily Express, she argues that two seemingly unrelated facts are part of the problem. One pub a day is closing, and doctors are warning that cases of ADHD and autism are being massively overdiagnosed.
Tax rises and benefits
Blackburn says Labour’s tax rises, which she attributes to Rachel Reeves, have made it more expensive to hire people. She links this to a massive hike in the number of people claiming benefits.
Reversing those two elements would start to push growth through, she argues.
Scrapping stamp duty
In addition, Blackburn suggests getting rid of stamp duty in the housing market, an idea she credits to her husband Justin.
She says this would kick-start transactions. When people buy new homes, she says, they start putting in new kitchens and bathrooms, buying furniture and so on. That would lead to relevant companies seeing a rise in profits, paying more in corporation tax, which would make up for the shortfall in stamp duty, resulting in a growing economy.
Blackburn asks whether the Chancellor will take note.
