
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.
The lack of a Conservative Commons majority prevented the Chancellor from doing much more than playing it safe – which he did effectively.
It continues to clear the deficit, prepare for Brexit, and back our businesses with the support they need to boost productivity.
“The government should be completely overhauling current restrictions and liberalising our planning system to free up land for houses to be built.”
“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.”
“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.”
Can the Chancellor steer a course that wards off his critics, satisfies the country, boosts the economy…and ensures that he isn’t shuffled?
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.
“We’re delivering planning permissions in record numbers. Actually we’re delivering homes in record numbers – 217,000 in the last year.”
“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.”
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…
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.
The Chancellor needs to help deliver the sense of direction so strikingly absent in Manchester last month, and indeed since last June’s election.
Her needs to deliver bold measures, but also show that he can read the politics and mood of the party and country.
It ought to be focused on those areas that the public really care about and where it can meaningfully offer useful policy ideas.
Letting disagreements about Brexit leak into the Budget’s treatment could deal the Government irreparable damage – and voters much harm.