Matthew Whittaker

Theresa May needs to spread the jam more thickly

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Since taking office in July, Theresa May has made it clear that she wants to put the ‘just about managing’ – those working families struggling to get by – at the heart of her government’s agenda. Yet Wednesday’s Autumn Statement, which provided the first opportunity for setting out a package of support, proved less jam-packed … Continued

The Autumn Statement debate has focused on the public finances – but the impact on family Budgets is just as stark

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Yesterday’s discussion of the Chancellor’s first (and last) Autumn Statement understandably focused on the very significant increase in borrowing that the first official take on the economic impact of the decision to leave the EU unveiled. In short the Office for Budget Responsibility thinks the Brexit vote is expensive – coming with a price tag … Continued

Matthew Whittaker

Resolution Foundation reaction to Autumn Statement 2016

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£59bn impact of Brexit and Chancellor’s decision to increase investment spending drive £122bn extra borrowing Philip Hammond chooses not to support just about managing families who face a double whammy of lower earnings and benefit cuts Slower growth and higher inflation will mean higher borrowing and a parliament of falling living standards for millions – … Continued

The big picture tomorrow will be about the consequences of Brexit, but don’t forget its causes

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Like bad pop music, there is a predictable rhythm to all Budgets and Autumn Statements. That’s partly about the theatre on the day – a photo outside Number 11, Chancellor’s statement in the Commons (including the rabbit out of a hat announcement) and the opposition’s response (usually involving shooting foxes and recently Communist book club … Continued

Inheritances and gifts: The generational challenge facing the Chancellor at this week’s Autumn Statement

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When setting out the challenges facing younger generations – from the hit to pay they’ve suffered post-crisis to the diminishing opportunities to match the housing or pension wealth their parents have– we are often told that it will all be ok once they get their hands on their inheritances. The truth is of course more … Continued

Four decades of discontent Trumps a strong 2015 for US jobs and pay in the race to the White House

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Election post-mortems are dangerous things. Nearly as dangerous as elections themselves for the mental well-being of those involved. The biggest danger follows election results that few predicted – where immediate post-mortems suddenly involve people seeing with total clarity why the unexpected was always on the cards. So let’s start with some humility about what we … Continued

Matthew Whittaker

The Chancellor can use the tough economic backdrop to his Autumn Statement to make his mark on the direction of government

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A new Chancellor’s first fiscal statement is always a big deal, but the relish with which they approach it inevitably depends on the circumstances underpinning their arrival. Those entering Number 11 off the back of election victory – with a fresh mandate in hand – have the opportunity to set a clear tone for the … Continued

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