The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned the UK government against 'large and
untargeted fiscal packages' following the Mini Budget.
The IMF stated that tax measures announced by Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng in the
recent Mini Budget are likely to increase inequality.
On 23 September, the Chancellor used the Mini Budget to announce tax cuts worth
over £40 billion. Amongst the measures unveiled was a reduction in the basic
rate of income tax; the reversal of the 1.25% rise in national insurance
contributions (NICs) that came in this year; and the scrapping of the planned
rise in corporation tax to 25%.
The IMF stated that whilst it understands that the measures are intended to boost
economic growth, it has concerns that the UK's fiscal and monetary policies are
working at 'cross purposes'.
Commenting on the IMF's warning, Lord Frost, Minister of State at the Cabinet
Office, said:
'The IMF has consistently advocated highly conventional economic policies. It
is following this approach that has produced years of slow growth and weak
productivity.
'The only way forward for Britain is lower taxes, spending restraint, and
significant economic reform.'