Ann McGauran 17 July 2024

King's Speech: OBR handed beefed-up scrutiny role

Kings Speech: OBR handed beefed-up scrutiny role image
Image: wutzkohphoto / Shutterstock.com

The Government has put fiscal stability in the form of a Budget Responsibility Bill at the heart of the King's Speech.

The new bill will ensure a beefed-up role for the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).

The OBR will be handed responsibility under the bill for independently assessing all significant tax and spending changes.

Stability would be the cornerstone of his Government's economic policy, said the King, ‘and every decision will be consistent with its fiscal rules'.

Bills will also be brought forward to strengthen audit and corporate governance, alongside pension investment [Draft Audit Reform and Corporate Governance Bill and the Pension Schemes Bill].

Ahead of the speech, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: ‘We are making sure nobody can play fast and loose with public finances – and that we avoid chaos which leaves families with spiralling bills.

‘A new bill will strengthen the role of the Office of Budget Responsibility, meaning significant fiscal announcements must be properly scrutinised and that taxpayers' money is respected.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Executive Director of Place and Customer

Essex County Council
up to £179,404 per annum
Shape the Future of Essex. Drive climate action. Deliver for our communities. Essex
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Director of Social Work and Social Care

Trafford Council
£100,731 to £104,625
You will join a values-driven senior leadership team, providing visible and responsive leadership. Manchester
Recuriter: Trafford Council

Cook - Care home

West Northamptonshire Council
£13.52ph
Southfields Care home Rated GOOD by CQC provides exceptional levels of support to older persons living with Dementia, Physical disabilities or /and Sensory impairments. Situated in a residential suburb in Northampton, offering a wonderful living environm Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Assistant Engineer Bridges and Structures

North Yorkshire Council
£31,537 - £42,839
We are looking for an assistant engineer or engineer to join our Bridges and Structures team. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Environmental Services Contract Manager

East Devon District Council
£52,413 - £59,615 per year
This is a role with real strategic influence. From shaping policy and commissioning service improvements Devon
Recuriter: East Devon District Council
Linkedin Banner