Before taking charge of the Treasury, Philip Hammond acquired the nickname ‘spreadsheet Phil’ for his sober approach to financial questions. Going into Wednesday’s Budget, the Chancellor will know that the country’s finances don’t add up. The economy has registered steady growth since the UK’s decision to leave the EU, defying the predictions of almost every leading economist. The benign economic climate has emboldened those hoping to find tax cuts or spending giveaways in the Budget. True, the country is on track to deliver a surplus by the next Parliament,…

Source: The Times March 07, 2017 02:03 UTC