The economy

Fact checks about the economy, covering levels of inequality, prices, taxation, employment, unemployment and housing across the UK nations and regions

19 March 2013

Tax-free childcare: will parents be better off?

Working parents are set to receive £1,200 a year for every child to help with the rising costs of childcare. But does this cover all other cuts to child support?

Read more…
18 March 2013

Budget blues?

In his speech to the National Conservative Convention over the weekend, David Cameron was championing his Government's economic achievements. With Chancellor George Osborne under attack from all sides, what do …

Read more…
13 March 2013

Did Labour decimate manufacturing?

Both the PM and the Chancellor claimed that Labour brought manufacturing to its knees. Is this accurate? Historical and international data give us a different perspective.

Read more…
13 March 2013

Minimum alcohol pricing: what are the costs and benefits?

Rumour has it that the minimum alcohol unit pricing has been scrapped, but that hasn't stopped commentators from speculating on what we've lost and/or gained. Full Fact looks at the …

Read more…
12 March 2013

Is the Government rebalancing the economy?

After Work and Pensions Minister Mark Hoban claimed in parliament that the economy is gradually being rebalanced under the Coalition, we look at whether the north really is pegging back …

Read more…
8 March 2013

Prime Minister rebuked by watchdog over growth claims

It was a speech characterised by a single phrase: "there is no alternative". Yesterday the Prime Minister set out to announce "clearly and plainly" that the UK's economic course would …

Read more…
6 March 2013

Is the Government failing to enforce the minimum wage?

As the Commons sits to debate the Government's plans for Romanian and Bulgarian newcomers into the UK, Labour questions whether the Coalition are doing enough to enforce the minimum wage …

Read more…
4 March 2013

Is the price of fuel the greatest concern to the nation?

A survey carried out by lobby group Fair Fuel UK found that the soaring cost of petrol is the most pressing national issue. But what of the economy, immigration and …

Read more…
1 March 2013

Has the beer tax cost 29,000 jobs?

Full Fact investigates the evidence that an army of 16 to 24 year olds have been left workless as a result of the beer tax.

Read more…
1 March 2013

Does cutting the deficit further and faster make for a good credit rating?

Liberal Democrat Minister Jeremy Browne told yesterday's Question Time audience that this week's credit rating downgrade should strengthen the UK's resolve to reduce its deficit, as those countries with the …

Read more…

Full Fact fights bad information

Bad information ruins lives. It promotes hate, damages people’s health, and hurts democracy. You deserve better.