The Government had next to no living standards message at the election. It needs one now – and to explain how it fits in with those three priorities.
The Chancellor needs to help deliver the sense of direction so strikingly absent in Manchester last month, and indeed since last June’s election.
The harsh truth is that, nearly seven years into Conservative-led Government, we are still living beyond our means.
It should be used to pay for what we owe in our pensions and benefits system – and thus provide more inter-generational justice.
We need to value ourselves more highly and create, capture and share that value with others.
It would be a betrayal of every value we hold dear if we deny the next generation the chance to own their own homes.
Hammond is a rare beast – most holders of his office have done everything they can to extend their power.
Plus: Hammond’s jokes. Javid’s stonewalling. Am I a fascist? And: of the making of books there is no end
The OBR’s assessment is “consistent with a range of possible outcomes that we can keep under review in future forecasts”. In other words, it’s sorry – but it hasn’t a clue.
The Centre for Social Justice applauds the Universal Credit changes. But praise elsewhere is thin.
“This is my first Autumn Statement as Chancellor…I have decided that it will also be my last.”
Suella Fernandes, James Frayne, Hannah David, Ryan Shorthouse, Andrew Allison and others give their verdict.
He has a reputation as a dour, dull performer – but today he played some shots.
Our summary of the main measures announced by the Chancellor.
Having two major fiscal events a year creates uncertainty and tempts Chancellors to pursue gimmicks.