Mark Littlewood, Director General at free market think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs, is available for interview and further comment over the course of the Conservative Party Conference.

His response to the Chancellor’s speech:

“It’s disappointing to hear the Chancellor not only rule out short-term tax cuts but also refuse to rule out further tax rises.

“If the government wishes to be judged by job creation, continuing to tax businesses and entrepreneurs at a near-record level will have the reverse effect.

“While it may be politically popular in the very short-term to extend job support and apprentice subsidy schemes, in the long term they fail to produce net increases in jobs – and at considerable cost to the taxpayer.

“The Chancellor purports to have free market principles, but his actual policy announcements indicate an enthusiasm for state interventionism.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

Contact: Emily Carver, Head of Media, 07715 942 731

IEA spokespeople are available for interview and further comment.