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The Government’s objective is to build a strong economy and a
fair society, where there is opportunity and security for all. The Pre-Budget
Report sets out how the Government is working to achieve this goal,
building on a platform of stability and sustained growth to ensure that
Britain can continue to succeed in an increasingly competitive global
economy. Key announcements in the Pre-Budget Report include:
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an updated economic forecast, which shows that
the UK economy is continuing to grow and that the Government is
meeting its strict fiscal rules for sound public finances over the
economic cycle;
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from April 2009 every mother-to-be will be eligible for
Child Benefit from week 29 of their pregnancy;
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improving enforcement of the National Minimum Wage
by increasing by 50 per cent the resources allocated to tackle non-compliance;
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a commitment for capital investment in education to rise
from £8.3 billion in 2007-08 to £10.2 billion in
2010-11;
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a new ambition of world-class skills, following
the publication of the Leitch Review of Skills;
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further measures to boost productivity and growth,
to promote scientific research and reform planning and transport
infrastructure;
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measures to promote fairness in the tax system, including
action to tackle tax avoidance;
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a new ambition of at least 3 per cent savings per year
across central and local government for the 2007 Comprehensive
Spending Review period, releasing resources to meet the challenges
ahead;
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further steps to tackle climate change, including
an increase in air passenger duty with effect from 1 February 2007
and measures to promote the use of cleaner fuels; and
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an increase in the main road fuel duties in line with inflation.
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