UK taxes have reached 1948 levels – but the contrast between the budgets is stark

According to official forecasts, measures in Wednesday’s budget have left tax as a share of national income at 37.1%

In 1948, the country was in the midst of reconstruction following the second world war – and had the tax levels to show for it. Ration cards were still in use and the NHS still on the maternity ward, having been born that July.

The previous month, the Empire Windrush had made its historic arrival in Tilbury. Earlier that year, Myanmar and Sri Lanka – then named Burma and Ceylon – had gained independence from the British empire. And, in the summer, Portsmouth ascended the summit of domestic football for the first time – winning the English title.