10/03/2010

UK Budget Date Set

Chancellor Alistair Darling will deliver what could be his last Budget in Government on 24 March, it was confirmed today.

The statement will come a mere six weeks ahead of the much speculated 6 May General Election.

Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he and his Cabinet were continuing to guide the UK through a historic economic "storm".

David Cameron, the Opposition leader, said Mr Brown's Government cannot be trusted with the economy.

His Tory colleagues have pledged to introduce sweeping public sector cuts should they enter 10 Downing Street.

Lib Dem MPs have said Conservative plans to reduce the budget deficit could harm the fragile recovery.

Mr Brown confirmed this morning that the Budget would be published in "two weeks' time".

Chancellor Darling wrote to Parliament informing members of the date.

Mr Darling said at the weekend he was "absolutely committed" to reducing the UK's deficit.

The Chancellor said Budget forecasts would show the Treasury was "on course" to cut borrowing, which is expected to peak at £178bn this year.

The UK officially emerged for the recession at the end of last year. Figures released in February showed growth had been stronger than previously predicted.

However, economists have warned of the dangers of a 'double dip' recession, which could see Gross Domestic Product plummet again.

Tories have called on Mr Darling to use the Budget to outline more definite spending cuts.

Labour has pledged to cut the deficit in half over the lifetime of the next Parliament.

Lib Dems have said the Government needs to continue to support jobs and business.

(PR/GK)

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