The higher rate income tax threshold will increase by 1% a year in 2014-15 and 2015-16.

BBC: Budget 2013: What does it mean for you?

By and large, the benefit and tax changes announced on Wednesday will not do that, though that will be cold comfort for the 400, 000 extra people who will now hit the higher rate income tax threshold in 2014.

BBC: Autumn Statement: What has changed?

An unemployment rate of 6.5 percent is a threshold, not a "trigger, " for a possible rate increase, he said.

NPR: Fed Stands By Stimulus, Sees Stronger US Economy