A look ahead to the Spring Forecast

The Spring Forecast on 26 March is supposed to be a non-event: Rachel Reeves has committed to holding just one fiscal event per year, in the autumn. But given economic developments since October's Budget, it's possible that the latest forecasts will put the Chancellor on track to miss her 'non-negotiable' fiscal rules. Continuing to meet the rules could require tax rises - on top of those announced in the autumn - or cuts to already tight spending plans. That could make the Spring Forecast rather more eventful than originally billed.

At this online event, IFS researchers discussed what has changed since the autumn, what this means for the Spring Forecast, and the options available to the Chancellor. They were joined by Simon French, Chief Economist and Head of Research at Panmure Liberum, who shared his views on the UK's macroeconomic outlook.