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UK Treasury Chief Jeremy Hunt Announces Tight Fiscal Strategy to Tackle Inflation

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, November 26th 2025 at 13:51 GMT by WSB-TV

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UK Treasury Chief Jeremy Hunt Outlines New Fiscal Strategy Amid Inflation Concerns

In a recent interview aired on WSB‑TV, UK Treasury Chief Jeremy Hunt laid out a comprehensive plan aimed at stabilising the British economy as it grapples with persistent inflation and a slowing growth trajectory. The conversation, which drew on data from the Office for National Statistics and recent speeches by Hunt, highlighted the Chancellor’s focus on tightening fiscal policy, boosting public investment in infrastructure, and maintaining a partnership with the Bank of England to keep inflation in check.

A Tightening of the Fiscal Stance

Hunt began by stressing the need to address the “continued high inflation” that has kept the Bank of England’s target far above the 2 % benchmark for much of the past year. He pointed out that while the core inflation rate had fallen to 4.1 % in the most recent quarter, the overall consumer price index (CPI) remains stubbornly high, driven by energy costs and supply‑chain bottlenecks.

“To bring inflation back to 2 %, we must adopt a more disciplined fiscal policy,” Hunt said, referencing the Treasury’s recent quarterly spending review. He underscored the importance of trimming unnecessary public expenditure and reallocating funds toward projects that can create jobs and stimulate long‑term growth. In line with this, the Treasury has earmarked £5 billion for “high‑impact” infrastructure projects, including the expansion of rail networks and investment in digital connectivity.

Collaboration With the Bank of England

A significant portion of the interview focused on the Treasury’s cooperation with the Bank of England. Hunt explained that while monetary policy—namely the setting of the policy interest rate—remains the Bank’s responsibility, fiscal policy plays a complementary role. He highlighted that the Treasury will continue to monitor fiscal deficits and ensure that public borrowing remains within sustainable limits.

“The Bank of England’s decisions on interest rates are crucial, but we cannot rely solely on monetary policy to quell inflation,” Hunt noted. He added that fiscal prudence would free the Bank of England to act decisively without being hampered by fiscal constraints.

The 2024 Budget Preview

While the Treasury had yet to present a formal budget for the fiscal year beginning 6 April 2025, Hunt offered a preview of what to expect. He hinted at a “balanced approach” that would raise revenue through modest tax reforms while also protecting low‑income households. Among the proposals were:

• A modest increase in the corporation tax rate from 19 % to 21 % for companies with a turnover above £50 million, aiming to broaden the tax base without dampening investment.
• A small rise in the value‑added tax (VAT) threshold, allowing more businesses to operate without VAT registration, thereby reducing administrative burdens.
• Continued subsidies for renewable energy projects, which Hunt described as essential for achieving the UK’s net‑zero targets.

In addition, Hunt emphasized that the upcoming budget would prioritize public health, citing the recent spike in hospital waiting lists. He suggested that the Treasury would allocate £800 million to the National Health Service (NHS) for technology upgrades and workforce recruitment.

Response From Economic Analysts

The interview did not shy away from discussing the Treasury’s criticism of the Bank of England’s “tight” stance. Hunt was quoted saying, “We must have a coherent strategy where fiscal and monetary policy reinforce each other, rather than operate in silos.” Economic analysts from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) echoed this sentiment, noting that a coordinated approach could reduce the risk of a “policy paralysis” that would hinder economic recovery.

Others, however, cautioned that the Treasury’s proposed spending cuts might risk undermining social services. A spokesperson for the National Association of Citizens’ Advice Bureaux warned that any reduction in public spending could “exacerbate inequalities” and “strain community support networks.” The Treasury, on its part, maintains that the proposed cuts are targeted and will not affect core public services.

Broader Global Context

Hunt also placed the UK’s fiscal stance within a broader global context. He referenced the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) recent forecast, which suggested that inflation in advanced economies would begin to ease by mid‑2025, provided that governments adopt “sound fiscal policies.” Hunt highlighted that the UK’s commitment to fiscal prudence positions it favorably in the global economic arena, especially as other major economies, such as the United States and the Eurozone, grapple with higher levels of public debt.

In addition to the IMF reference, Hunt discussed the UK’s relationship with the European Union. He noted that even after the Brexit transition, the UK still benefits from trade agreements that support the manufacturing sector. The Treasury is working closely with the Department for International Trade to ensure that these agreements remain robust and supportive of UK businesses.

Conclusion

Jeremy Hunt’s interview on WSB‑TV offers a clear picture of the UK Treasury’s current priorities. By tightening fiscal discipline, collaborating closely with the Bank of England, and preparing a balanced 2024 budget, the Treasury aims to bring inflation down to its target level while still investing in growth‑driving sectors. While critics question the potential social impact of fiscal cuts, the Treasury argues that a disciplined approach will safeguard the UK’s long‑term economic health. As the nation waits for the formal budget, the conversation around fiscal and monetary coordination remains at the forefront of the country’s economic policy discourse.