Pre-Budget Report 2000
Gordon "stability" Brown had two powerful interest groups to square: pensioners and motorists. With an election likely next year, he did his duty. However distasteful some of the measures are, it is hard to argue that he has put economic or fiscal stability at risk...more.
Fuel protests
Protest convoy defiant despite shrinking support
A defiant group of hauliers and farmers set off on a four-day convoy from Tyneside to London on Friday, despite signs that public support for the latest fuel protest is crumbling . . .more
Pensions
Pensioner anger 'abated' by £2.6bn package
The chancellor succeeded on Wednesday in abating pensioners' anger over last year's 75p a week rise in the basic state pension - but without satisfying their long-term goal of having its link to average earnings restored . . .more
Companies
Corporate tax break welcomed
Tax experts welcomed corporate tax breaks unveiled as part of a government effort to make Britain more attractive to multinationals. The pre-Budget report included changes to soften the impact of controversial Budget measures to tighten tax rules relating to companies' overseas profits . . .more
Comment
Chancellor gambles hard-won reputation
By the time the chancellor stands up next March, we can be pretty sure that he will have another two or three billion in his back pocket. But save the help it gives pensioners, the package cannot be said to have done much good. . . more.
The pre-Budget speech summaries