Sajid Javid MP, the former Chancellor, has joined forces with the Centre for Policy Studies – the leading centre-right think tank – to set out a series of recommendations to Government on how to kickstart the economy and minimise the long-term damage from the coronavirus crisis.
The former Chancellor warns that the crisis is likely to exacerbate the regional disparities the Government committed to tackling in its manifesto, and that ‘levelling up’ is now more critical than ever.
The report, ‘After the Virus’, is the first in a major series of CPS papers on the economic recovery, under the banner of ‘Going for Growth’.
The paper argues that it is now increasingly unlikely that we will see a V-shaped recovery. The impact of the crisis, the need to maintain social distancing, and the hit to consumer and business confidence, represent formidable headwinds to renewed economic growth.
In ‘After the Virus’, Javid and the CPS say that the Government’s immediate priority should be to prioritise growth, rather than derail the recovery with tax rises or spending cuts. They suggest a new fiscal rule in which the Government brings the current budget into balance within three years, but only when a stable recovery has been achieved.
The report argues that any recovery must be based on sound money, a dynamic private sector and low taxes, as well as a renewed commitment to invest heavily in infrastructure to drive growth across the country, and prevent the coronavirus exacerbating regional disparities and stagnant productivity.
The report contains 63 recommendations including significantly reducing the cost of hiring by cutting employer’s National Insurance and bringing forward and enhancing plans for major investment in infrastructure and left-behind regions, both to increase economic activity now and to boost long-term productivity.
The report aalso recommends sstablishing a British Infrastructure Bank, based outside the South East, with seed capital to fund infrastructure across UK regions and leverage-in private investment. a major reforms to planning rules, including fast-tracking reclassification of Green Belt, and a new generation of development corporations.
A revitalised devolution agenda to level-up the UK, with more City Deals and increasing the powers and capacity of devolved authorities to invest for growth and pushing ahead with free trade agreements and new measures to attract talent and investment from across the globe.
It recommends a visa scheme to automatically allow recent graduates from the top 50 academic institutions globally into the UK for work and research and the switching away from pension tax relief based on marginal rates to a flat bonus paid on contributions, regardless of your tax code.
Sajid Javid MP, said: “If we want to secure the strongest possible recovery, it’s essential that no stone is left unturned. This report sets out more than 50 ideas for maximising growth, supporting businesses and creating new jobs at speed.
My colleagues in government have done a fantastic job supporting the economy so far. I hope this report proves helpful for the task that lies ahead.”
Robert Colvile, Director of the CPS said: “This report sets out a programme for economic recovery which combines the new drive for levelling up and public investment and with the pro-market, low tax agenda the CPS has always championed. This is a vision for growth driven by a private sector with the incentives and flexibility to invest and create jobs, empowered by an infrastructure revolution.”
