Gordon Brown has today confirmed there will be a budget on 24 March, six weeks before the expected general election date. In a move contrary to parliamentary practice this was confirmed by Gordon Brown prior to an official written confirmation from Alistair Darling to Parliament. However, what is certain is that the election is nearly upon us, and the next budget will be a very difficult balancing act for Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling.

While many will expect Gordon Brown to arrange a "giveaway" budget the truth is that in order to giveaway any income to UK voters the government will need to bring in additional income. In many ways the best that UK voters can vote for in the run-up to the election is a balanced budget although in reality it is likely we will see a net increase in taxes.

If Gordon Brown is seen to give away too much to UK voters then he could stand accused of putting his political future before the UK economy but if he decides to spend, spend, spend on the UK economy then he will inevitably incur the wrath of UK taxpayers. Whatever happens in the next budget it is certain to be a critical point in the political life of Gordon Brown.

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