Helping Hand For First-time Buyers And Struggling Home Owners
Brown will attempt to win back opinion polls by unveiling a scheme that provides immediate action for those worst hit by the economic downturn. His positive outlook for the future is in stark contrast to Alistair Darling’s recent analysis of the British economy and is likely to divide the party even further.
Following a turbulent week, Gordon Brown needs to win back the support of the nation and counteract the dire economic picture painted by Alistair Darling last weekend.
He will meet with CBI on Thursday to unveil his plan to launch a scheme that will help those facing economic strife. He will also attempt to reassure that Britain will not only survive the slowdown but will also be well positioned to take advantage of new economic opportunities when the world’s economy begins to pick up.
Brown will target middle and lower income families to try and relieve the pressures facing them during this difficult time. He believes that they need to be helped with fair schemes as it is those that fall within this bracket that will find it hardest, compared to those with higher earnings.
His plan will have three strands: one to target struggling first-time buyers, a plan to introduce a £1bn fuel poverty scheme, and lastly, will also draw attention to the £60 tax rebate that is due to be shortly reimbursed through people’s pay packets.
However, the lack of unity between the senior members of the Labour Party has left them open to criticism with both the shadow chancellor George Osborne, and Tory leader David Cameron commenting on the contradictory nature of Browns plans.
David Cameron believes that the state of the British economy is in part due to Brown neglecting to prepare for such an event when the economy was booming and George Osborne has openly criticised Foreign Secretary David Miliband whilst also stating that he is inclined to believe that Alistair Darling’s view of the economy is correct.
Despite Gordon Brown’s brave face Alistair Darling is expected to downgrade budget forecasts in the autumn, when he releases the pre-budget report. His predicted growth of 2.5% could be cut to less than 1% and, if so, will undermine Brown’s positive outlook even further.
