Hammond’s economicky survivorish escapy Budget

The lack of a Conservative Commons majority prevented the Chancellor from doing much more than playing it safe – which he did effectively.

Steve Barclay: A balanced Budget which ensures that Britain is fit for the future

It continues to clear the deficit, prepare for Brexit, and back our businesses with the support they need to boost productivity.

Think-tanks react to the Budget. Some praise, more criticism…and a sense that the housing announcements didn’t go nearly far enough

“The government should be completely overhauling current restrictions and liberalising our planning system to free up land for houses to be built.”

WATCH: Hammond’s Budget rabbit – Stamp duty abolished for all first-time buyer purchases up to £300,000

“A temporary stamp duty holiday would only help those who are ready to purchase now and would offer nothing for the many who will need to save for years.”

WATCH: May hands the Chancellor a packet of cough sweets

“I’m going to stick to plain water, but I did take the precaution of asking my Right Honourable Friend to bring a packet just in case.”

WATCH: Hammond prepares for the Budget – no pressure, then

Can the Chancellor steer a course that wards off his critics, satisfies the country, boosts the economy…and ensures that he isn’t shuffled?

Sam Gyimah: On this Budget day, let’s unite against the prospect of a Marxist Chancellor

We cannot be the tired heavyweight in the twilight of their career landing a few punches. We need the energy and urgency of the underdog to go on the attack.

WATCH: Chancellor says Government needs to be building 300,000 homes a year

“We’re delivering planning permissions in record numbers. Actually we’re delivering homes in record numbers – 217,000 in the last year.”

WATCH: The Chancellor promises a ‘balanced Budget’

“We’ve got to continue to invest in our productivity and Britain’s future, but we’ve also got to listen to the noise we’re hearing from individuals and organisations about the pressures they’re facing.”

A Mañana Budget?

Given the resistance of Tory MPs to spending cuts and tax rises, Hammond’s easiest course would be to push any into the future. But this wouldn’t be problem-free…

Iain Dale: Did the whips leak the rebels’ names to the Telegraph?

That’s what Sarah Wollaston suggested on my show this week. Plus: my prison visit, sticking by your friends…and sticking with spending control in the Budget.

Spreadsheet Phil must become Storyteller Phil – if his Budget is to succeed where the Tory conference failed

The Chancellor needs to help deliver the sense of direction so strikingly absent in Manchester last month, and indeed since last June’s election.

Alex Morton: Building homes up, taxing new diesel – how the Chancellor should act next week

Her needs to deliver bold measures, but also show that he can read the politics and mood of the party and country.

James Frayne: Healthcare, crime and justice, quality retirement and the provinces. Four priorities for the Centre-Right

It ought to be focused on those areas that the public really care about and where it can meaningfully offer useful policy ideas.

Why pro-Leave MPs should prepare to back the Chancellor next week

Letting disagreements about Brexit leak into the Budget’s treatment could deal the Government irreparable damage – and voters much harm.