Why is cutting VAT for specific sectors a bad idea? Should there be a flat rate on everything, including the things currently exempt? Why does cutting business rates only benefit landlords? Are we keeping too many inefficient businesses going?
Dan Neidle from Tax Policy Associates is back to explain why he thinks no one deserves special treatment when it comes to VAT and business rates. Plus why Burnham’s plan to rescue pubs won’t work.
The Rest is Money is brought to you by Octopus Energy, Britain’s smart energy pioneer.
Advertise with us: Partnerships@goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
285. Can Europe escape American tech dependency?
07.06.2026 | 42 min.
Why did Nick Clegg quit Meta, and what does he really think about Silicon Valley? Why are tech bosses so greedy? And how can Europe catch up in the AI race?
Robert sits down with Nick Clegg (former UK Deputy Prime Minister and Meta's ex-President of Global Affairs) to discuss how the UK can once again become a tech and economic powerhouse.
The Rest is Money is brought to you by Octopus Energy, Britain’s smart energy pioneer.
Advertise with us: Partnerships@goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
284. Is it time to smash the economic consensus?
03.06.2026 | 47 min.
Should it be about the pre-distribution, rather than re-distribution, of wealth? Will that create an economy with fewer billionaires? How would it work in practice? Is it even possible given the balance of power lies with the rich?
Leading economist Professor Mariana Mazzucato is back to tell us why her theory on ‘The Common Good’ is a game changer for Western economies. Plus does she think Gabriel Zucman’s wealth tax on billionaires is a good idea? Robert and Steph find out.
The Rest is Money is brought to you by Octopus Energy, Britain’s smart energy pioneer.
Advertise with us: Partnerships@goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
283. Does the UK need to be rich?
31.05.2026 | 56 min.
Is the UK stuck in a debt and tax doom loop, and how do we get out? How do we cut welfare spending? How important is it to give regional mayors more agency over tax and spending? And what can we learn from Mississippi?
Robert and Steph talk to former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt about his take on the economy now he's not running the Treasury, as detailed in his new book 'Can we be rich again?'. Plus for the first time Steph admits it's not all about Middlesbrough.
The Rest is Money is brought to you by Octopus Energy, Britain’s smart energy pioneer.
Advertise with us: Partnerships@goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
282. Are politicians living in a tax-and-spend dream world?
27.05.2026 | 47 min.
Are the government plans to help low income households hitting the right spot? Is there too much focus on symptoms and not causes? Could fiscal devolution happen too quickly? Why does the IMF often give the UK a rough ride on forecasts?
Paul Johnson - former director of the IFS - is back to give us his take on the economic reforms being discussed across the political sphere. Plus Robert puts him under pressure to tell us which government has been the worst economically. Will he answer? Listen to Robert and Steph’s chat with him to find out.
The Rest is Money is brought to you by Octopus Energy, Britain’s smart energy pioneer.
Robert Peston and Steph McGovern bring you insightful business and finance stories.
Join Robert Peston and Steph McGovern as they delve into the key challenges and opportunities facing today’s business world. From the complexities of tech investments to the impact of political decisions on global markets, this podcast offers valuable perspectives on current financial topics. Whether discussing business funding, economic policies, or corporate strategies, they provide listeners with the tools to understand today’s fast-evolving market.
Each episode brings expert analysis on important issues, including market regulations, economic recovery, and the forces shaping the future of work. Robert and Steph bring you the latest insights from influential leaders and top entrepreneurs, making this podcast a must-listen for anyone interested in business growth, financial trends, and the evolving economic landscape.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
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