Budget: National debt is 33% of income

After going to great lengths to stress a balanced economy is only achievable by looking at both the fiscal and the economy - rather than fiscal policy alone - Brown says it is in the national interests to borrow for investment. As a result, national borrowing as a percentage of income will increase to: 34% in 2004-05; 35% for 2005-06; 36% for 2006-07; 36% for 2007-08; 36% for 2008-09. As a side issue, Brown said his assessment of whether Britain should join the euro will now be looked at again in the 2005 Budget. IFAonline