@DPJHodges: George Osborne has just shot Ed Miliband's fox, dog, cat, goldfish and chihuahua.
I like Dan Hodges, he's thoughtful and writes well.......but, he really, really dislikes Ed Milliband, so it's hard to take that tweet as if it has any importance!
@DPJHodges: George Osborne has just shot Ed Miliband's fox, dog, cat, goldfish and chihuahua.
Dan thinks something is bad news for Ed? Glad he shared that with us. I was wondering what his view might be.
Whoever would have thought it? But it is good to see the Chancellor acknowledging that corporate Britain can and should make a greater contribution to improving living standards.
@DPJHodges: George Osborne has just shot Ed Miliband's fox, dog, cat, goldfish and chihuahua.
Dan thinks something is bad news for Ed? Glad he shared that with us. I was wondering what his view might be.
Whoever would have thought it? But it is good to see the Chancellor acknowledging that corporate Britain can and should make a greater contribution to improving living standards.
That's always been the tory position though. That increases in the minimum wage are feasible when there isn't a signifigant threat to the economy.
Anyway it's a good move for people on low pay whatever the politics.
Ed's missed a trick here but I don't think it is terrible for Labour - though hold on did the minimum wage keep pace with inflation during Labour's time...
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Food for thought on that one.
@DPJHodges: George Osborne has just shot Ed Miliband's fox, dog, cat, goldfish and chihuahua.
Dan thinks something is bad news for Ed? Glad he shared that with us. I was wondering what his view might be.
Whoever would have thought it? But it is good to see the Chancellor acknowledging that corporate Britain can and should make a greater contribution to improving living standards.
That's always been the tory position though. That increases in the minimum wage are feasible when there isn't a signifigant threat to the economy.
Ed's missed a trick here but I don't think it is terrible for Labour - though hold on did the minimum wage keep pace with inflation during Labour's time...
(1) Labour has been campaigning to increase the minimum wage (2) Yes, the minimum wage was increased by substantially more than inflation from when Labour introduced it to when they left power (compared to below inflation increases to date under the Coalition).
@DPJHodges: George Osborne has just shot Ed Miliband's fox, dog, cat, goldfish and chihuahua.
Dan thinks something is bad news for Ed? Glad he shared that with us. I was wondering what his view might be.
Whoever would have thought it? But it is good to see the Chancellor acknowledging that corporate Britain can and should make a greater contribution to improving living standards.
That's always been the tory position though. That increases in the minimum wage are feasible when there isn't a signifigant threat to the economy.
No, the Tories initially opposed the minimum wage and many still argue that it does a lot more harm than good - I've seen this view expressed on here any number of times by many right of centre posters. But clearly George understands the potency of the whole cost of living debate and so has decided to agree with Labour and the unions on the need for an above inflation rise. That is a good thing, even if it has been done for politically expedient reasons.
If anything it is Cable who should feel aggrieved by any minimum wage announcement. He was the one who originally asked the Low Page Commission to look at increases in excess of inflation while Osborne was against it and now George gets to announce the policy he had resisted until recently.
A PB poster floated this as a possibility before the Autumn statement, and went into some detail. I'd like to re-read that post if possible, can anyone remember who it was?
If anything it is Cable who should feel aggrieved by any minimum wage announcement. He was the one who originally asked the Low Page Commission to look at increases in excess of inflation while Osborne was against it and now George gets to announce the policy he had resisted until recently.
It is all rather transparent. It will cheer up the Tories, but I am not sure it will shift many Labour or LD votes to them. Much more important, though, the cost of living debate initiated by Ed has now seen the government forced into taking action on energy bills and the Tories supporting British businesses paying low earners more. In the great scheme if things that is excellent news. And, no doubt, we'll see more of the same over the coming months.
@PickardJE: The genius of Tory proposal for £7 minimum wage by 2015 is that the Low Pay Commission could still reject it - but Conservatives get credit
I welcome the increase. Expect more moves to park Coalition tanks on Labour's lawn, especially where the policy looks popular and/or (as here) helps counter the "they're only in it for the rich" notion.
Labour has SERIOUSLY misjudged how much Cameron and Osborne want to stay in power. Expect much of the next 12 months to be about chiseling away at any residual argument for voting Labour.
2015 will be all about "Labour - why would you take the risk?"
Much more important, though, the cost of living debate initiated by Ed has now seen the government forced into taking action on energy bills and the Tories supporting British businesses paying low earners more.
@DPJHodges I hope you all realise the reason the sun was shining yesterday was because Labour were setting the weather agenda.
I would have thought that the announcement on the minimum wage would be more helpful in attracting UKIP waverers than in sabotaging Ed Miliband. But what do I know?
@joeyjonessky Best way for Labour (+and libdems) to neutralise @George_Osborne 's delight at stealing a march probably to welcome it (thru gritted teeth)
@DPJHodges Labour should say "Good. We welcome it". But they won;t. They'll say "Our idea". Making Ed look like the John Terry of Westminster.
@DPJHodges Or say. "Well, we'd make it £8". Which would be even more ludicrous. On second thoughts, my money's on £8.
Much more important, though, the cost of living debate initiated by Ed has now seen the government forced into taking action on energy bills and the Tories supporting British businesses paying low earners more.
@DPJHodges I hope you all realise the reason the sun was shining yesterday was because Labour were setting the weather agenda.
Well, obviously Dan hates the fact that the Tories have again been forced to dance to Ed's tune, but we are where we are. And the good news is that many seriously struggling, hardworking people are going to see some benefit. What's not to like?
What an odd coincidence that on the eve of what’s being billed as a major economic speech by Ed Miliband, George Osborne sticks up his periscope and makes a big fat announcement on the minimum wage.
Well, obviously Dan hates the fact that the Tories have again been forced to dance to Ed's tune, but we are where we are. And the good news is that many seriously struggling, hardworking people are going to see some benefit. What's not to like?
None so blind...
@ShippersUnbound Many seem to be claiming credit for first revealing Tory plans for minimum wage rise. The glory goes to @BBCAllegra who had it last Sept
Well, obviously Dan hates the fact that the Tories have again been forced to dance to Ed's tune, but we are where we are. And the good news is that many seriously struggling, hardworking people are going to see some benefit. What's not to like?
None so blind...
@ShippersUnbound Many seem to be claiming credit for first revealing Tory plans for minimum wage rise. The glory goes to @BBCAllegra who had it last Sept
Every Labour announcement is a disaster, every Tory one a triumph - how on earth did the Tories not win the last GE when they are this good?
As Isabel Hardman points out, Labour can make as many 'announcements' as they like....and nothing changes....the government is in power for the next 15 months and will be emphasising the difference.....
Meanwhile what's happened to Ed's MEGA CONFERENCE two hour meeting on the relationship with the Unions?
Are you suggesting it didn't come from Ed Miliband? PB Kinnock Heresy...
Er. are you trying to imply that Labour hasnt been ahead of the Tories on introducing and increasing the minimum wage?! Good luck with that.
So the Tories have come around to reversing their real terms cuts to the minimum wage, if they manage to spin that as radical then fair play to them but we know better, dont we?
Er. are you trying to imply that Labour hasnt been ahead of the Tories on introducing and increasing the minimum wage?! Good luck with that.
So the Tories have come around to reversing their real terms cuts to the minimum wage, if they manage to spin that as radical then fair play to them but we know better, dont we?
@PeterMannionMP I hope you are all aware that absolutely anything worthwhile the Coalition Government does is down to Ed Miliband?
@ChukaUmunna Non-announcement by George Osborne on the minimum wage.Voted against our motion to restore the value of it yesterday and now says he agrees
Are you suggesting it didn't come from Ed Miliband? PB Kinnock Heresy...
Er. are you trying to imply that Labour hasnt been ahead of the Tories on introducing and increasing the minimum wage?! Good luck with that.
So the Tories have come around to reversing their real terms cuts to the minimum wage, if they manage to spin that as radical then fair play to them but we know better, dont we?
It is a bit too obvious and for that reason will not convince anyone but Tory cheerleaders. But if the low paid benefit for a change after the hammering they have taken over recent years, why does that matter?
Osborne's announcement strikes me as being a typical bit of modern politics. An announcement designed to make everyone think some action is being taken when in fact none is.
He has said he would like to see something happen, not that he is going to make it happen or even that it will happen. It is not even in his gift or remit - the level of the minimum wage is set by the Low Pay Commission.
Just another example of spin standing in for delivery.
I'm disappointed that Labour haven't yet gone longer than 1/8 in Wythenshawe & Sale. Could the UKIPpers please put more of their money where their mouths are?
Ive backed Labour at 2/11 and UKIP at 12s if that helps
I've netted over £450 off my last ~ 14 bets with Victor (~ £120 staked). Obviously I've had losers elsewhere but on a scale of 1-Victor how likely is the account to go up the swanny ?
They wont close it if you are betting less than £50 a pop
I would guess that all those posters on here who have said at great length that the minimum wage is a bad thing and how it costs thousands of jobs will now call for Osborne to be sacked .
Mr. Eagles, if a bookie closes your account, what's to stop you just opening a new one?
Some people use a beard.
However it is difficult, as when you need to transfer money from your bank card to your bookie online account they ask for your address and postcode for the payment to go through, it theoretically flags up at the bookies that someone at an address at previously closed account is active again so they close down your new account.
There's nothing stopping you going to that bookies shop however.
Get a mate to set up a bank account, send some money over and hey presto! A new set of betting accs!
Unite the union @unitetheunion 4m McCluskey: “Hints of a rise in min wage will do nothing for millions of ordinary working people gripped by Osborne’s cost of living crisis”
From a possible 2015 manifesto commitment, to an announcement by the Chancellor at the beginning of 2014. Well done Ed.
The difference is that Osborne has earned credibility so can announce this without spooking Mister Market. Labour? Not so much...
What other Labour policies would you like Osborne to implement? Oh that's right - Labour hasn't actually got any policies...
Well, they have already had a go at lowering energy bills. But when policies are stolen, you can see why oppositions do not like to announce them. If there were one policy I'd like to see reviewed, though, it would be the Bedroom Tax. I am not sure what Labour's position is on that as I am not a Labour member (or even a firm supporter).
I would guess that all those posters on here who have said at great length that the minimum wage is a bad thing and how it costs thousands of jobs will now call for Osborne to be sacked .
That's the key thing to take from this announcement - perhaps.
The national minimum wage is another example of poor intervention by the state. I would prefer that Osborne ended it.
Endless meddling from interventionist Conservatives did a great deal to screw up the economy in the 60s, it is a pity Osborne hasn't learned from their mistakes.
The national minimum wage is another example of poor intervention by the state. I would prefer that Osborne ended it.
Endless meddling from interventionist Conservatives did a great deal to screw up the economy in the 60s, it is a pity Osborne hasn't learned from their mistakes.
I suppose you'd like him to re-introduce slavery as well, it would boost the economy.
Well, they have already had a go at lowering energy bills. But when policies are stolen, you can see why oppositions do not like to announce them. If there were one policy I'd like to see reviewed, though, it would be the Bedroom Tax. I am not sure what Labour's position is on that as I am not a Labour member (or even a firm supporter).
By having a go at lowering energy prices, the Coalition have already shown more ambition than Ed, whose aim was a freeze. In 2015.
Well, they have already had a go at lowering energy bills. But when policies are stolen, you can see why oppositions do not like to announce them. If there were one policy I'd like to see reviewed, though, it would be the Bedroom Tax. I am not sure what Labour's position is on that as I am not a Labour member (or even a firm supporter).
By having a go at lowering energy prices, the Coalition have already shown more ambition than Ed, whose aim was a freeze. In 2015.
That may well be the case. But there is only one reason why they did it. But who cares? They did do it.
The national minimum wage is another example of poor intervention by the state. I would prefer that Osborne ended it.
Endless meddling from interventionist Conservatives did a great deal to screw up the economy in the 60s, it is a pity Osborne hasn't learned from their mistakes.
I suppose you'd like him to re-introduce slavery as well, it would boost the economy.
Well, the fact that the libertarians on this site aren't entitled to enslave the rest of us (who, after, they consider to be either mentally ill, morally wicked or both at once) is certainly a gross infringement on their freedom which, when all's said and done, is the only freedom that matters. To them.
I've netted over £450 off my last ~ 14 bets with Victor (~ £120 staked). Obviously I've had losers elsewhere but on a scale of 1-Victor how likely is the account to go up the swanny ?
They wont close it if you are betting less than £50 a pop
This thread throws up just what is wrong with this country. What the heck has happened to us? What other nation in the world has such a loathing for their own land? Its almost as if you're ashamed to call yourselves English. Cecil Rhodes had the right of it. I'm praying for Scottish Independence, even more so now, as that hastens the day that you'll have to put English on your passports!
From a possible 2015 manifesto commitment, to an announcement by the Chancellor at the beginning of 2014. Well done Ed.
The difference is that Osborne has earned credibility so can announce this without spooking Mister Market. Labour? Not so much...
What other Labour policies would you like Osborne to implement? Oh that's right - Labour hasn't actually got any policies...
Well, they have already had a go at lowering energy bills. But when policies are stolen, you can see why oppositions do not like to announce them. If there were one policy I'd like to see reviewed, though, it would be the Bedroom Tax. I am not sure what Labour's position is on that as I am not a Labour member (or even a firm supporter).
The coalition's policy on energy prices is very different (and more sensible) than Miliband's proposal, which was, frankly, insane. They haven't followed Miliband: they've sailed their own course, hopefully away from the rocks.
Miliband's in the unfortunate position that if the price cap was such a good thing to do, he could have done it - or at least proposed it - himself a little over three years ago. There was not a peep about it when he was in charge at DECC. Instead, he is on record as saying increased prices were inevitable. (1)
Goodness knows what that would have meant for the cost of living crisis.
We all know why: he was too busy listening to advice on energy policy from Z-list celebrities.
Incomes policies failed in the 60s and 70s and NMW is another piece of interventionist nonsense. Wage levels should be set by the markets and not by half witted politicians. Government intervention all too often leads to new government failures. It is the sort of daft stunt which Brown would have pulled.
As for the living wage, if it looks like and sounds like organic bovine waste, then it probably is bovine organic waste.
Well, they have already had a go at lowering energy bills. But when policies are stolen, you can see why oppositions do not like to announce them. If there were one policy I'd like to see reviewed, though, it would be the Bedroom Tax. I am not sure what Labour's position is on that as I am not a Labour member (or even a firm supporter).
By having a go at lowering energy prices, the Coalition have already shown more ambition than Ed, whose aim was a freeze. In 2015.
That may well be the case. But there is only one reason why they did it. But who cares? They did do it.
Mr. Observer, If your thesis that Miliband only needs to announce a plan for the Coalition to adopt it holds, then perhaps its time for Miliband to dust of his pre-distribution speech. Let us cut the welfare bill but cutting the need for welfare and in the process stop companies making profits on the back of taxpayer subsidies. Of course there will a price to be paid in terms of higher prices and higher unemployment, but we heard all that when the minimum wage was introduced.
The amount the UK pays to subsidize the low paid is very high. I;ve seen graphs that show that some minimum wage workers earn as much as people on much higher salaries, when working welfare is taken into account.
Osborne's only option is to make companies paying the minimum wage (some of which pay very little UK corporate taxation anyway) take a little more of the strain.
Given he's slashing corporate taxation, that is OK, so long as it doesn't go too far, I would have thought.
The national minimum wage is another example of poor intervention by the state. I would prefer that Osborne ended it.
Endless meddling from interventionist Conservatives did a great deal to screw up the economy in the 60s, it is a pity Osborne hasn't learned from their mistakes.
I suppose you'd like him to re-introduce slavery as well, it would boost the economy.
Slavery is a hindrance on an economy, for all sorts of reasons.
The amount the UK pays to subsidize the low paid is very high. I;ve seen graphs that show that some minimum wage workers earn as much as people on much higher salaries, when working welfare is taken into account.
Osborne's only option is to make companies paying the minimum wage (some of which pay very little UK corporate taxation anyway) take a little more of the strain.
Given he's slashing corporate taxation, that is OK, so long as it doesn't go too far, I would have thought.
I think you have it spot on Mr Taffys. Too many companies have been running their businesses on the basis of taxpayer subsidies for too long.
There are in fact 5 precedents of referenda on council tax increases . In 4 cases a large majority voted for the lowest increase offered . Milton Keynes in 1999 , however , voted in favour of the middle option of 15%/9.8% and 5% .
I really don't think the left can paint this is their win, Ed was talking about voluntary incentives for the "living wage" which is completely different to a mass raising of the minimum wage. I haven't heard a single mention of the minimum wage from Ed or the other Ed for a long time. It fell off Labour's agenda for some reason while the concentrated a fringe issue like the living wage.
I really don't think the left can paint this is their win, Ed was talking about voluntary incentives for the "living wage" which is completely different to a mass raising of the minimum wage. I haven't heard a single mention of the minimum wage from Ed or the other Ed for a long time. It fell off Labour's agenda for some reason while the concentrated a fringe issue like the living wage.
Yeah, that would have been much more credible if Labour hadnt devoted their opposition day debate to raising the minimum wage. Yesterday. Nice try though.
From a possible 2015 manifesto commitment, to an announcement by the Chancellor at the beginning of 2014. Well done Ed.
The difference is that Osborne has earned credibility so can announce this without spooking Mister Market. Labour? Not so much...
What other Labour policies would you like Osborne to implement? Oh that's right - Labour hasn't actually got any policies...
Well, they have already had a go at lowering energy bills. But when policies are stolen, you can see why oppositions do not like to announce them. If there were one policy I'd like to see reviewed, though, it would be the Bedroom Tax. I am not sure what Labour's position is on that as I am not a Labour member (or even a firm supporter).
The coalition's policy on energy prices is very different (and more sensible) than Miliband's proposal, which was, frankly, insane. They haven't followed Miliband: they've sailed their own course, hopefully away from the rocks.
Miliband's in the unfortunate position that if the price cap was such a good thing to do, he could have done it - or at least proposed it - himself a little over three years ago. There was not a peep about it when he was in charge at DECC. Instead, he is on record as saying increased prices were inevitable. (1)
Goodness knows what that would have meant for the cost of living crisis.
We all know why: he was too busy listening to advice on energy policy from Z-list celebrities.
The Coalition's policy may well be more effective and more sensible. But we only got it because EdM raised the issue. Today's announcement from Osborne is also directly connected to the cost of living debate that Miliband started. I am not particularly interested in who introduces policies that benefit the lowest paid, I am much more interested in them being put into practice. If it is the Tories doing it because they feel that EdM has struck a chord that is fine by me. Obviously, looking at the politics of it - the Tories will hope to persuade voters that they are genuinely exercised by the fate of those on the minimum wage. We will see if they are successful in that.
Well, they have already had a go at lowering energy bills. But when policies are stolen, you can see why oppositions do not like to announce them. If there were one policy I'd like to see reviewed, though, it would be the Bedroom Tax. I am not sure what Labour's position is on that as I am not a Labour member (or even a firm supporter).
By having a go at lowering energy prices, the Coalition have already shown more ambition than Ed, whose aim was a freeze. In 2015.
That may well be the case. But there is only one reason why they did it. But who cares? They did do it.
Mr. Observer, If your thesis that Miliband only needs to announce a plan for the Coalition to adopt it holds, then perhaps its time for Miliband to dust of his pre-distribution speech. Let us cut the welfare bill but cutting the need for welfare and in the process stop companies making profits on the back of taxpayer subsidies. Of course there will a price to be paid in terms of higher prices and higher unemployment, but we heard all that when the minimum wage was introduced.
Some Tories, such as Boris, are already getting there on pre-distribution. The chancellor will do so eventually because that is where the politics of it all is heading - as today's move by Osborne indicates.
I've netted over £450 off my last ~ 14 bets with Victor (~ £120 staked). Obviously I've had losers elsewhere but on a scale of 1-Victor how likely is the account to go up the swanny ?
They wont close it if you are betting less than £50 a pop
"I doubt most of Britain's key, world class companies employ that many minimum wage workers anyway."
Directly, may be not but indirectly they do, all those SMEs in the supply chain and the service companies that exist below the visible horizon (cleaners, caterers etc.). I haven't got the figures to hand but most people don't work for the big boys they work for the smaller fish.
The other thing HMG can do is force the big companies to pay their bills on time. If that were to happen so much pressure would be taken off the SMEs that their cash flow could cope with paying higher wages. That big companies are still allowed to get away with demanding free credit from their suppliers is a scandal that doesn't receive the attention it deserves.
The other thing to consider is that raising the minimum wage will eventually feed through to all hourly rates simply because people will wish to keep the same differential between their earnings and the minimum wage.
Presumably one of the side benefits of this is that Osborne hopes this will further push earnings increases above inflation addressing the cost of living issue.
Comments
I make that an 11% rise ? £6.31 to £7.00.
Significant.
Each forward step the coalition make is a backwards one for the labour...
We in Hampstead are desperate to free ourselves from the socialist yoke of Camden Council.
I would have thought a Hampstead independence party would poll rather well here.
Good on the Tories for finally seeming to accept how wrong they were to oppose the minimum wage.
Anyway it's a good move for people on low pay whatever the politics.
Ed's missed a trick here but I don't think it is terrible for Labour - though hold on did the minimum wage keep pace with inflation during Labour's time...
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Food for thought on that one.
Labour should say "Good. We welcome it". But they won;t. They'll say "Our idea". Making Ed look like the John Terry of Westminster.
A PB poster floated this as a possibility before the Autumn statement, and went into some detail. I'd like to re-read that post if possible, can anyone remember who it was?
I'd also like to congratulate him.
Labour has SERIOUSLY misjudged how much Cameron and Osborne want to stay in power. Expect much of the next 12 months to be about chiseling away at any residual argument for voting Labour.
2015 will be all about "Labour - why would you take the risk?"
@DPJHodges Labour should say "Good. We welcome it". But they won;t. They'll say "Our idea". Making Ed look like the John Terry of Westminster.
@DPJHodges Or say. "Well, we'd make it £8". Which would be even more ludicrous. On second thoughts, my money's on £8.
Too far too fast!
Double Dip!
Triple Dip!
One Nation!
Cost of Living Crisis!
Cost of Gym Membership Crisis!
Squeezed Middle
Oh.......
What an odd coincidence that on the eve of what’s being billed as a major economic speech by Ed Miliband, George Osborne sticks up his periscope and makes a big fat announcement on the minimum wage.
http://blogs.spectator.co.uk/coffeehouse/2014/01/osborne-rains-on-milibands-parade-with-wage-announcement/
@ShippersUnbound Many seem to be claiming credit for first revealing Tory plans for minimum wage rise. The glory goes to @BBCAllegra who had it last Sept
http://www.policyexchange.org.uk/media-centre/in-the-news/category/item/tories-could-raise-minimum-wage-in-effort-to-dispel-their-image-as-the-party-of-the-rich
Meanwhile what's happened to Ed's MEGA CONFERENCE two hour meeting on the relationship with the Unions?
So the Tories have come around to reversing their real terms cuts to the minimum wage, if they manage to spin that as radical then fair play to them but we know better, dont we?
Where could he have got that (cough...EU...sterling zone...tuition fees...) from?
(Yes, I know he's a spoof...)
@ChukaUmunna Non-announcement by George Osborne on the minimum wage.Voted against our motion to restore the value of it yesterday and now says he agrees
What other Labour policies would you like Osborne to implement? Oh that's right - Labour hasn't actually got any policies...
He has said he would like to see something happen, not that he is going to make it happen or even that it will happen. It is not even in his gift or remit - the level of the minimum wage is set by the Low Pay Commission.
Just another example of spin standing in for delivery.
@PeterMannionMP @JohnRentoul Don't you follow any Labour MPs? ED MILIBAND set the new Minimum Wage.
John Rentoul is talking bollocks isn't he? The Low Pay Commission just make a recommendation for the government. HMG can do what it likes.
McCluskey: “Hints of a rise in min wage will do nothing for millions of ordinary working people gripped by Osborne’s cost of living crisis”
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula-one/25766407
Why not set the minimum wage equal to the living wage (currently £7.65 and £8.80 in London)?
Endless meddling from interventionist Conservatives did a great deal to screw up the economy in the 60s, it is a pity Osborne hasn't learned from their mistakes.
http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2014/01/16/13806/
Any odds on the outcome of that?
http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/10942838.Brighton_and_Hove_council_to_hold___230k_referendum_on_planned_4_75__council_tax_rise/?ref=twtrec
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-25759109
Best CotE I've seen.
Miliband's in the unfortunate position that if the price cap was such a good thing to do, he could have done it - or at least proposed it - himself a little over three years ago. There was not a peep about it when he was in charge at DECC. Instead, he is on record as saying increased prices were inevitable. (1)
Goodness knows what that would have meant for the cost of living crisis.
We all know why: he was too busy listening to advice on energy policy from Z-list celebrities.
(1):http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/5832429/Energy-bills-will-rise-in-low-carbon-economy-admits-Ed-Miliband.html
Incomes policies failed in the 60s and 70s and NMW is another piece of interventionist nonsense. Wage levels should be set by the markets and not by half witted politicians. Government intervention all too often leads to new government failures. It is the sort of daft stunt which Brown would have pulled.
As for the living wage, if it looks like and sounds like organic bovine waste, then it probably is bovine organic waste.
http://touchstoneblog.org.uk/2014/01/what-has-the-chancellor-announced-on-the-minimum-wage
Osborne's only option is to make companies paying the minimum wage (some of which pay very little UK corporate taxation anyway) take a little more of the strain.
Given he's slashing corporate taxation, that is OK, so long as it doesn't go too far, I would have thought.
There are in fact 5 precedents of referenda on council tax increases . In 4 cases a large majority voted for the lowest increase offered . Milton Keynes in 1999 , however , voted in favour of the middle option of 15%/9.8% and 5% .
I doubt most of Britain's key, world class companies employ that many minimum wage workers anyway.
Some costs to businesses will rise, but if it means we get a few more quid out of certain coffee, burger and pizza chains, I guess we can wear it.
Most bookmakers are hypocritical cowards
Directly, may be not but indirectly they do, all those SMEs in the supply chain and the service companies that exist below the visible horizon (cleaners, caterers etc.). I haven't got the figures to hand but most people don't work for the big boys they work for the smaller fish.
The other thing HMG can do is force the big companies to pay their bills on time. If that were to happen so much pressure would be taken off the SMEs that their cash flow could cope with paying higher wages. That big companies are still allowed to get away with demanding free credit from their suppliers is a scandal that doesn't receive the attention it deserves.
Presumably one of the side benefits of this is that Osborne hopes this will further push earnings increases above inflation addressing the cost of living issue.