Analysing the UK Government’s Autumn Budget.

Paul Johnson (pictured), Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies and the BBC’s ‘go-to economist’ will visit the island on 28th November 2024 for a free talk analysing the UK Government’s Autumn Budget.

The Autumn Budget has now been made public and changes to employers’ national insurance rates, capital gains, and inheritance tax have been revealed. Guernsey’s financial services professionals will be paying particular attention to the moves to close what Labour calls ‘tax loopholes’ in its pre-election manifesto.

Mr Johnson is a well-known economist who regularly works with the BBC, The Times, and other publications and will be commenting on the Budget  announcements and other tax related matters. As well as working as an economics expert, Mr Johnson published his celebrated book, ‘Follow the Money’, last year. The book explores Britain’s economic position across the years up to the disastrous ‘mini budget’ of 2023. Mr Johnson has also just this week been announced to be taking up the role as provost of Queens College, Oxford in 2025.

The event will take place at St Pierre Park Hotel and will be hosted by local law firm Ashton & Co. Dr Raymond Ashton will briefly discuss the potential impact of changes to the non-domicile system before introducing Mr Johnson ahead of his analysis and the presentation.

This will be followed by an audience Q&A. Copies of Dr Ashton’s book, ‘Ashton on Company Law’ will also be available following the talk.

Mr Johnson said: “The Channel Islands have always been in a unique economic position and the Budget has possible wider implications for people living on Guernsey. I look forward to breaking down the highlights of Labour’s Autumn Budget and I encourage the island’s business community to come armed with some interesting questions. My thanks go to Ashton & Co for inviting me to Guernsey.”

Dr Ashton said: “Paul’s unrivalled knowledge of the economy makes him ideally placed to comment on the Autumn Budget. I am very much looking forward to engaging with him for this insightful event and hosting such a well-regarded economist to our shores.”