Waiting for spring

Britain entered 2022 with a recovery resilient to Omicron and tax revenues coming in billions higher than expected. But good news on the public finances has been matched by troubling news for family finances as inflation soared and living standards have been squeezed. The conflict in Ukraine has further clouded the UK’s economic outlook, as the Chancellor prepares his Spring Statement.

What are the prospects for the UK’s post-pandemic recovery amidst the conflict in Ukraine? How deep will Britain’s cost of living squeeze be, and has the Chancellor done enough to protect households from it? And have calls for more spending on defence or fewer tax rises been heard in No11?

Immediately following the Spring Statement on Wednesday 23^rd March, the Resolution Foundation are hosting a morning event to assess the latest official economic forecasts, and the Chancellor’s response. After a presentation of key highlights from the Foundation’s overnight analysis, we will hear from leading experts, including Richard Hughes, Chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility, on what the new forecasts and policy action means for families and the wider economy in the year ahead.

The event will be open for people to physically attend, alongside being broadcast via YouTube and the Resolution Foundation website. Viewers will be able to submit questions to the panel before and during the event via Slido.