George Osborne
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Analysis: Can foodservice solve the productivity conundrum?
George Osborne is renowned for his ability to put a positive spin on the most ambiguous of statistics, but not even the Chancellor can find a favourable frame for the UK’s dismal productivity figures. Recent ONS data showed Britain as… Read More
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No such thing as a free lunch
NICK HUGHES assesses the five things we have learned about the hotly debated free school meals policy. It’s just over a year since the coalition government rolled out its universal infant free school meals (UIFSM) programme whereby all government-funded schools must offer… Read More
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DEFRA budget slashed
THE DEPARTMENT for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs has agreed to cut its budget by 30% by 2020. Given that the department has already had its resources cut to the bone, some observers are wondering whether it can survive another… Read More
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Green credentials of spending review to be assessed
THE TREASURY’S Spending Review process is to be audited by the National Audit Office for its environmental impact. The NAO will, for the first time, assess whether the review process acts as an effective medium-term spending and planning tool in… Read More
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The next green thing: Osborne’s living wage – a boost for breadwinners, or just bread and circuses?
NO SOONER HAD George Osborne announced the government’s plans to effectively replace the minimum wage with a “national living wage” than the press statements started to flood in. Some felt it was “reckless”, others prophesied job losses. … Read More
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Living wage debate dominates budget
GEORGE OSBORNE used the first Conservative budget in 20 years to introduce a new national living wage. Starting next April at £7.20, it will rise to £9 by 2020. Osborne said companies should be able to afford the cost of… Read More
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Funding for future energy technology announced
THE CHANCELLOR George Osborne has pledged £60m in investment for the Birmingham Energy Systems Catapult to help drive innovation in future energy technologies. The centre has been… Read More
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Hospitality sector enjoys budget boost
CHANCELLOR GEORGE Osborne has announced plans to allow farmers to average out their income across five years in a measure that could amount to a tax saving of £100 million. … Read More