The harsh truth is that, nearly seven years into Conservative-led Government, we are still living beyond our means.
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.
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.
A lot has changed since 2010. The Autumn Statement should reflect the new financial and political reality.
Circumstances dictate a suck-it-and-see Autumn Statement – but also one that can transcend its own caution by pointing to a visionary landscape ahead.
It should be used to pay for what we owe in our pensions and benefits system – and thus provide more inter-generational justice.