After a deep and prolonged recession, the UK economy has shown strong growth - outstripping many other major economies. However, much of this growth stems from a relatively fast-growing population. In per capita terms, growth has been less impressive. Added to which, government revenues have been disappointing, which has made reducing the deficit a more difficult task in a climate of austerity. Economic growth in the UK is forecast to decelerate from next year and the work of rebalancing the UK economy and placing it on a sustainable footing is far from over.