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Type: Journal Articles Authors: Tim Pike and David Savage ISSN: Print: 0143-5671 Online: 1475-5890
Published in: Fiscal Studies, Vol. 19, No. 1, February 1998
Volume, issue, pages: Vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 49-62
JEL classification: E6, H1, H6
This article describes the methods used by the Treasury and other government departments for making forecasts of the public finances. A highly detailed approach is required because of the Treasury's budgetary role, but the aggregated results are subjected to careful 'top-down' checks. Forecasts have a necessary role in fiscal policy. But they are subject to large margins of error, and should be presented and used with caution. Search |

