Budget 2017 - nothing has changed

On the 22nd November, Philip Hammond (Chancellor of the Exchequer) presented his Autumn budget. 

Economic growth, productivity growth, business investment and living standards are all stagnant, or falling. Furthermore, a recent report in the British Medical Journal suggests that Conservative austerity measures are linked to 120,000 deaths ('economic murder'). 

This budget was an opportunity for Philip Hammond to address the increasing inequality in the UK, after seven years of failed austerity policies. Unfortunately, no sensible solutions were offered to address crises in the NHS, mental health, social care, homelessness, issues with Universal Credit, policing and teaching (apart from maths. Because we only need maths to build our society moving forward. Apparently). 

The NHS chief executive recently asked for the £350 million a week promised by the Brexit Leave campaign be honoured. Philip Hammond offered the NHS £350 million pounds. Fortunately,  the NHS will now survive until December.

Younger generations have been struggling to buy property, pay for rising consumer costs, and further education is leaving them in crippling debt. On a charm offensive to the young, Philip Hammond offered a 'millennial' railcard for 25-30 year olds. The railcard can only be used at off-peak times, so those lucky youngsters will see little difference to the rising cost of their daily commute.