Hammond was right to postpone the date by which he aims to achieve a balanced budget. But whether or not Tory MPs really have the appetite for one is doubtful.
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.
She’s only been in power for a few months but there have already been ten notable policy changes.
The Centre for Social Justice applauds the Universal Credit changes. But praise elsewhere is thin.
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.
“Towards the end of this Parliament, at the point at which our contributions to the European Union reduce, there is an expectation on the part of the public and the NHS that there should be an increase.”
He defines them as “people who work hard and by and large do not feel that they’re sharing in the prosperity that economic growth is bringing to the country”.
The second piece in our mini-series on the Autumn Statement, which takes place a week from today.
She needs the larger majority that a poll would deliver if she is to achieve her programme at a time of pre-Brexit turbulence.
It is tempting to wish him gone. But, like everything else post-June, the future of the Bank should be subject first and foremost to the requirements of Brexit.
“Throughout the negotiating process, we are ready to take whatever steps are necessary to protect this economy from turbulence.”
The Government finds Brexit offers an alibi for its own profligacy.
“As we negotiate our exit from the EU, this Government will fight for the best possible deal for British business and British workers.”
The first piece in our mini-series on reducing the deficit explores ideas from addressing ‘grey welfare’ to closing Whitehall departments.