Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

i Editor's Letter: The implications of Budget Day

 

Stefano Hatfield
Tuesday 20 March 2012 21:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Budget Day is anticipated with a relish bordering on fervour in most news organisations.

Every year there appears to be a greater appetite for leaks ahead of the day itself. Of course, it's worse under the Coalition. Lib Dems need to leak to make out they are not being ridden over roughshod, and No 11 will counter-leak to suggest this is George Osborne's work alone – well, apart from the bits for which he can blame Nick Clegg.

What about you? Will you be huddled around TVs, radios and live blogs (independent.co.uk between 12 and 2pm since you ask), desperate to find out if George giveth or taketh away? Most assume it will be the latter, which is why many people view Budget Day with surprising indifference. I still say interest is up since 2007.

I will be desperate to know its implications, of course, for me and mine, but also for so many others: from pensioners like my ma, to those in my hometown with no jobs, to friends who earn in the region of £43,000 with children and working other halves – plus small-business owners like my cousin and his pizza place, or my friend Mike and his apps start-up.

I saw Mike yesterday. After two years' hard slog, he is starting to get some genuine traction as a reward for the brave investment of his own cash. In that time he has gone from two to 30 employees, and what's more, he is working in just the sort of new digital creative space that UK plc needs to succeed in. The Budget must help him if we are all to claw ourselves out of our current mess.

Will it? See i tomorrow for a concise, quality guide to what happens later today. And, until then, check out our website.

Follow @stefanohat

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in