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Spending review 2015: George Osborne scraps tax credit cuts and freezes police budget - as it happened Spending review 2015: George Osborne scraps tax credit cuts and freezes police budget - as it happened
(about 1 month later)
6.49pm GMT6.49pm GMT
18:4918:49
Political summaryPolitical summary
Andrew SparrowAndrew Sparrow
We should have seen it coming. On the Marr show on Sunday George Osborne said:We should have seen it coming. On the Marr show on Sunday George Osborne said:
I’ve always been someone who thought it’s not a weakness to listen to good arguments.I’ve always been someone who thought it’s not a weakness to listen to good arguments.
That was a euphemistic way of saying, ‘When I’m wrong, I’ll admit it.’ And today George Osborne performed the biggest U-turn we’ve seen from the Treasury since Alistair Darling had to find £2.7bn to compensate those losing out from Gordon Brown’s abolition of the 10p rate of tax. To his credit, there was no weaselling, or fudging, or pretending “circumstances had changed”; Osborne just accepted the tax credit cuts were a non-starter and chucked them overboard. (Rupert Harrison, his former chief of staff, says that Osborne is a great believer in accepting when you’re going to lose – see 1.02pm.) In what is being dubbed as another U-turn, Osborne has also shelved the proposed police cuts. The whole performance has been funded by a surprise £27bn fiscal windfall, although Osborne is also raising taxes, principally on big business which will have to find almost £3bn a year from 2017 to pay an apprenticeship levy.That was a euphemistic way of saying, ‘When I’m wrong, I’ll admit it.’ And today George Osborne performed the biggest U-turn we’ve seen from the Treasury since Alistair Darling had to find £2.7bn to compensate those losing out from Gordon Brown’s abolition of the 10p rate of tax. To his credit, there was no weaselling, or fudging, or pretending “circumstances had changed”; Osborne just accepted the tax credit cuts were a non-starter and chucked them overboard. (Rupert Harrison, his former chief of staff, says that Osborne is a great believer in accepting when you’re going to lose – see 1.02pm.) In what is being dubbed as another U-turn, Osborne has also shelved the proposed police cuts. The whole performance has been funded by a surprise £27bn fiscal windfall, although Osborne is also raising taxes, principally on big business which will have to find almost £3bn a year from 2017 to pay an apprenticeship levy.
Tory MPs seemed delighted. By rights, it should have been a bit of a humiliation (not least because Osborne will have to go to the Commons to seek permission to breach his own welfare cap) but Conservatives seem happy to forgive him for extricating himself from a mess that they were applauding when he created in his summer budget. It just goes to show that sometimes politicians have a memory span that would shame a goldfish.Tory MPs seemed delighted. By rights, it should have been a bit of a humiliation (not least because Osborne will have to go to the Commons to seek permission to breach his own welfare cap) but Conservatives seem happy to forgive him for extricating himself from a mess that they were applauding when he created in his summer budget. It just goes to show that sometimes politicians have a memory span that would shame a goldfish.
More seriously, it illustrates how ministers with authority can get away with almost anything. And political figures without authority … well, just ask John McDonnell. In other circumstances his Mao’s Little Red Book gag might have worked, but if you are a shadow chancellor trying to shake off assertions that you are a far-left obsessive, quoting Mao in the Commons chamber is probably not a wise idea. Earlier I said it did not matter much because no one ever paid any attention to the shadow chancellor’s response. Sorry, that was wrong; on this occasion they will.More seriously, it illustrates how ministers with authority can get away with almost anything. And political figures without authority … well, just ask John McDonnell. In other circumstances his Mao’s Little Red Book gag might have worked, but if you are a shadow chancellor trying to shake off assertions that you are a far-left obsessive, quoting Mao in the Commons chamber is probably not a wise idea. Earlier I said it did not matter much because no one ever paid any attention to the shadow chancellor’s response. Sorry, that was wrong; on this occasion they will.
That’s all from us for tonight. Thanks for the comments.That’s all from us for tonight. Thanks for the comments.
6.44pm GMT6.44pm GMT
18:4418:44
Economic summary - £27bn of good newsEconomic summary - £27bn of good news
Graeme WeardenGraeme Wearden
He doesn’t really need the money, but George Osborne could consider picking up a lottery ticket or two on the way home tonight - as he’s clearly on a lucky streak.He doesn’t really need the money, but George Osborne could consider picking up a lottery ticket or two on the way home tonight - as he’s clearly on a lucky streak.
The Office for Budget Responsibility got the chancellor out of a sticky spot tonight, with a surprisingly upbeat view of the economy and unexpected changes to its modelling; which worked out in Osborne’s favour.The Office for Budget Responsibility got the chancellor out of a sticky spot tonight, with a surprisingly upbeat view of the economy and unexpected changes to its modelling; which worked out in Osborne’s favour.
They also caught out those of us who, ahem, thought this year’s deficit target was in doubt #meaculpaThey also caught out those of us who, ahem, thought this year’s deficit target was in doubt #meaculpa
The OBR’s upward revisions are good news - there’s an extra £27bn of revenue to tap into. The big picture hasn’t changed - growth will only be around trend levels over the next five years, and the national debt will reach a hefty £1.7 trillion by the time the books are balanced.The OBR’s upward revisions are good news - there’s an extra £27bn of revenue to tap into. The big picture hasn’t changed - growth will only be around trend levels over the next five years, and the national debt will reach a hefty £1.7 trillion by the time the books are balanced.
But there are significant differences between the measures announced today, and those implemented in the last parliament. Osborne 2.0 is taking a different approach than the original version.But there are significant differences between the measures announced today, and those implemented in the last parliament. Osborne 2.0 is taking a different approach than the original version.
As this chart shows, the consolidation in this parliament relies more on welfare cuts and tax receipts, and less on spending cuts (despite the swingeing measures outlined today)As this chart shows, the consolidation in this parliament relies more on welfare cuts and tax receipts, and less on spending cuts (despite the swingeing measures outlined today)
And the government has also lifted and smoothed the path of current spending; it’s no longer planning the severe squeeze outlined in March’s budget:And the government has also lifted and smoothed the path of current spending; it’s no longer planning the severe squeeze outlined in March’s budget:
The City has taken today’s statements in its stride.The City has taken today’s statements in its stride.
Housebuilding shares jumped by around 3%, on the back of the plan to boost home construction. But the pound is calm tonight at $1.512 to the US dollar, and borrowing costs (yields on UK gilts) are little changed.Housebuilding shares jumped by around 3%, on the back of the plan to boost home construction. But the pound is calm tonight at $1.512 to the US dollar, and borrowing costs (yields on UK gilts) are little changed.
Two sectors of the UK economy are griping tonight.Two sectors of the UK economy are griping tonight.
The first - buy-to let and second-home owners - may not get masses of sympathy over the stamp duty hike. It’s not clear how those changes will pan out; it could make buy-to-let much less attractive, and push down house prices. Or landlords could squeeze renters with higher bills.The first - buy-to let and second-home owners - may not get masses of sympathy over the stamp duty hike. It’s not clear how those changes will pan out; it could make buy-to-let much less attractive, and push down house prices. Or landlords could squeeze renters with higher bills.
Business leaders are also grinding their teeth, as they wonder how they’ll find £11bn to cover the Apprenticeship Levy to fund 3 million trainee workers from 2017. Obvious targets include squeezing wages, cutting back on investment, and trimming dividends. They would all be counter-productive for growth.Business leaders are also grinding their teeth, as they wonder how they’ll find £11bn to cover the Apprenticeship Levy to fund 3 million trainee workers from 2017. Obvious targets include squeezing wages, cutting back on investment, and trimming dividends. They would all be counter-productive for growth.
And spare a thought for students, hit with funding cuts and the prospect of paying back their loans sooner (once they find a job)And spare a thought for students, hit with funding cuts and the prospect of paying back their loans sooner (once they find a job)
The Chancellor protected the state pension but loaded more debt onto students. My blog: https://t.co/LcOTabx1CgThe Chancellor protected the state pension but loaded more debt onto students. My blog: https://t.co/LcOTabx1Cg
Ultimately, even Lucky George can only do so much -- Britain is still vulnerable to global forces, and a Chinese “hard landing”, or severe geopolitical upheaval, could knock the OBR’s forecasts offline.Ultimately, even Lucky George can only do so much -- Britain is still vulnerable to global forces, and a Chinese “hard landing”, or severe geopolitical upheaval, could knock the OBR’s forecasts offline.
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.55pm GMTat 6.55pm GMT
6.03pm GMT6.03pm GMT
18:0318:03
The Resolution Foundation has led the way in campaigning against the tax credit cuts originally planned by Osborne. Here is the verdict on today’s autumn statement from Torsten Bell, its director.The Resolution Foundation has led the way in campaigning against the tax credit cuts originally planned by Osborne. Here is the verdict on today’s autumn statement from Torsten Bell, its director.
On tax credits it is very welcome that the vast majority of families will not see losses next April. The chancellor has done the right thing by reversing these tax credit cuts entirely, rather than fudging the issue.On tax credits it is very welcome that the vast majority of families will not see losses next April. The chancellor has done the right thing by reversing these tax credit cuts entirely, rather than fudging the issue.
However Universal Credit is the big loser because the cuts to it have not been reversed. Millions of low-income working families are still set to be significantly worse off by the end of the parliament if the Universal Credit roll-out goes ahead as planned. Pain tomorrow is better than pain today – but it is still pain.”However Universal Credit is the big loser because the cuts to it have not been reversed. Millions of low-income working families are still set to be significantly worse off by the end of the parliament if the Universal Credit roll-out goes ahead as planned. Pain tomorrow is better than pain today – but it is still pain.”
The Chancellor has toned down his plans to shrink the state. But we will still see large cuts that radically change what that state does. By the end of the parliament, the state will be focused on delivering healthcare and paying pensions, but will do much less to support young people or those on low-incomes.The Chancellor has toned down his plans to shrink the state. But we will still see large cuts that radically change what that state does. By the end of the parliament, the state will be focused on delivering healthcare and paying pensions, but will do much less to support young people or those on low-incomes.
And here is the Resolution Foundation’s full briefing on the autumn statement.And here is the Resolution Foundation’s full briefing on the autumn statement.
5.59pm GMT5.59pm GMT
17:5917:59
Small print alert: Railway electrification plan still running lateSmall print alert: Railway electrification plan still running late
Gwyn TophamGwyn Topham
The chancellor proclaimed in the autumn statement that the big rail electrification projects that were put on hold in the summer, the Midland mainline and TransPennine route, would now go ahead.The chancellor proclaimed in the autumn statement that the big rail electrification projects that were put on hold in the summer, the Midland mainline and TransPennine route, would now go ahead.
The suspension of the schemes had threatened to undermine the “Northern Powerhouse” plan”.The suspension of the schemes had threatened to undermine the “Northern Powerhouse” plan”.
But they will still be finished late - and the money will mainly be raised by selling off railway land, and an extra £700m will be borrowed, adding to Network Rail’s £38.5bn debt.But they will still be finished late - and the money will mainly be raised by selling off railway land, and an extra £700m will be borrowed, adding to Network Rail’s £38.5bn debt.
A review by Network Rail’s chairman Peter Hendy has now confirmed that the majority of the five-year plan can now go ahead with additional investment but found that the original plan was “unrealistic and undeliverable”.A review by Network Rail’s chairman Peter Hendy has now confirmed that the majority of the five-year plan can now go ahead with additional investment but found that the original plan was “unrealistic and undeliverable”.
Depots, shop space at station and the land under railway arches is all expected to be sold off, to help plug the funding gap after massive cost overruns on electrification work.Depots, shop space at station and the land under railway arches is all expected to be sold off, to help plug the funding gap after massive cost overruns on electrification work.
Hendy said no project would now be cancelled and the bulk of the work would be delivered by March 2019. He said “Some projects will cost more and take longer than originally expected but we will see the job through to deliver better journeys for passengers. My review has clearly found that the original plan was unrealistic and undeliverable.”Hendy said no project would now be cancelled and the bulk of the work would be delivered by March 2019. He said “Some projects will cost more and take longer than originally expected but we will see the job through to deliver better journeys for passengers. My review has clearly found that the original plan was unrealistic and undeliverable.”
A separate review by Dame Colette Bowe into the embarrassing Network Rail fiasco has also been slipped quietly out today.A separate review by Dame Colette Bowe into the embarrassing Network Rail fiasco has also been slipped quietly out today.
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.59pm GMTat 5.59pm GMT
5.43pm GMT5.43pm GMT
17:4317:43
Earlier Andy Burnham, the shadow home secretary, said police spending was only being protected in cash terms, not in real terms. See 2.59am. But the Treasury says that is not true. The autumn statement document says:Earlier Andy Burnham, the shadow home secretary, said police spending was only being protected in cash terms, not in real terms. See 2.59am. But the Treasury says that is not true. The autumn statement document says:
The government will protect overall police spending in real terms over the spending review period, an increase of £900m in cash terms by 2019-20.The government will protect overall police spending in real terms over the spending review period, an increase of £900m in cash terms by 2019-20.
5.40pm GMT5.40pm GMT
17:4017:40
5.40pm GMT5.40pm GMT
17:4017:40
John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, has just given an interview to Sky News. He said that Labour had three goals in its campaigning ahead of the autumn statement: to stop the tax credit cuts; to protect police budgets; and to get more money for social care. On the first two at least Labour has been largely successful.John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, has just given an interview to Sky News. He said that Labour had three goals in its campaigning ahead of the autumn statement: to stop the tax credit cuts; to protect police budgets; and to get more money for social care. On the first two at least Labour has been largely successful.
But he stressed that the devil was in the detail. Labour thought that families could still be losing out by up to £3bn, he said.But he stressed that the devil was in the detail. Labour thought that families could still be losing out by up to £3bn, he said.
Asked if his Little Red Book stunt was a mistake, he said it wasn’t. He was just making a point about how Osborne was opposed to the British government nationalising services while quite happy to let state-run Chinese enterprises operate in this country. He was not holding Mao up as a role model, he said.Asked if his Little Red Book stunt was a mistake, he said it wasn’t. He was just making a point about how Osborne was opposed to the British government nationalising services while quite happy to let state-run Chinese enterprises operate in this country. He was not holding Mao up as a role model, he said.
5.32pm GMT5.32pm GMT
17:3217:32
Conservative MPs have given the chancellor a thumping good welcome over at Westminster:Conservative MPs have given the chancellor a thumping good welcome over at Westminster:
Prolonged banging of desks as @George_Osborne arrives at 1922 meetingProlonged banging of desks as @George_Osborne arrives at 1922 meeting
(Desk-banging is a traditional sign of approval at the 1922 committee - the weekly gathering of Tory backbenchers).(Desk-banging is a traditional sign of approval at the 1922 committee - the weekly gathering of Tory backbenchers).
Mind you, those desks got a good banging back in July (when Osborne announced the tax credit cuts abandoned today), so the ‘22 aren’t infallible.Mind you, those desks got a good banging back in July (when Osborne announced the tax credit cuts abandoned today), so the ‘22 aren’t infallible.
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.41pm GMTat 5.41pm GMT
5.27pm GMT5.27pm GMT
17:2717:27
important detail on Police Funding - ten forces currently charging smallest amount of council tax can increase their precepts by £5 a yearimportant detail on Police Funding - ten forces currently charging smallest amount of council tax can increase their precepts by £5 a year
5.25pm GMT5.25pm GMT
17:2517:25
John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, has not given any TV interviews yet about the autumn statement. His Labour colleagues are having to field questions about his Little Red Book stunt, and the general view seems to be that he would have been better off leaving that joke on the cutting room floor. Here’s a line from Angela Eagle, the shadow business secretary.John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, has not given any TV interviews yet about the autumn statement. His Labour colleagues are having to field questions about his Little Red Book stunt, and the general view seems to be that he would have been better off leaving that joke on the cutting room floor. Here’s a line from Angela Eagle, the shadow business secretary.
Angela Eagle on McDonnell's Mao moment: "I don't know whether it was funny or not. I think it probably backfired a bit."Angela Eagle on McDonnell's Mao moment: "I don't know whether it was funny or not. I think it probably backfired a bit."
5.17pm GMT5.17pm GMT
17:1717:17
Chris Leslie, the former shadow chancellor, has told BBC that it would be wrong to see the tax credits concession as a U-turn. That is because, as tax credits get phased out and claimants move over to universal credit, the new, less generous benefit regime will come into force anyway.Chris Leslie, the former shadow chancellor, has told BBC that it would be wrong to see the tax credits concession as a U-turn. That is because, as tax credits get phased out and claimants move over to universal credit, the new, less generous benefit regime will come into force anyway.
Ben Richards, a researcher for the SMF thinktank, has explained more in a briefing from the SMF. He said:Ben Richards, a researcher for the SMF thinktank, has explained more in a briefing from the SMF. He said:
The chancellor performed a major U-turn on tax credits by cancelling the reforms altogether. Instead tax credit claimants will only be affected by the freeze in benefits over the next four years, rather than a cash-terms cut.The chancellor performed a major U-turn on tax credits by cancelling the reforms altogether. Instead tax credit claimants will only be affected by the freeze in benefits over the next four years, rather than a cash-terms cut.
However, cuts to Universal Credit will remain, and will mean that new Universal Credit claimants are likely to face much more meagre levels of support than those claiming tax credits. In the long run this will mean that the Chancellor’s tax credit cuts in effect are implemented anyway. In the short run, however, it will create a number of issues for claimants, and will make the task of communicating the benefits of Universal Credit an uphill struggle for the Government.However, cuts to Universal Credit will remain, and will mean that new Universal Credit claimants are likely to face much more meagre levels of support than those claiming tax credits. In the long run this will mean that the Chancellor’s tax credit cuts in effect are implemented anyway. In the short run, however, it will create a number of issues for claimants, and will make the task of communicating the benefits of Universal Credit an uphill struggle for the Government.
First, there are likely to be large inequities between different areas, with areas that have already implemented Universal Credit offering much lower support. In 2016-17 for instance, a one-earner couple with two children would take home nearly £800 more if living in an area using the tax credit system, compared to an area using Universal Credit, if working full-time earning the minimum wage. This could create perceptions of regional unfairness.First, there are likely to be large inequities between different areas, with areas that have already implemented Universal Credit offering much lower support. In 2016-17 for instance, a one-earner couple with two children would take home nearly £800 more if living in an area using the tax credit system, compared to an area using Universal Credit, if working full-time earning the minimum wage. This could create perceptions of regional unfairness.
Second, tax credit claimants have a big incentive not to change their circumstances in areas in which Universal Credit is being rolled out. Since new claimants, and claimants with changed circumstances, are likely to be enrolled in Universal Credit, those already receiving tax credits would do well to stay on them by keeping their circumstances unchanged. This could mean refusing to take on more work, or refusing a promotion, for fear of being unable to reclaim tax credits at a later date.Second, tax credit claimants have a big incentive not to change their circumstances in areas in which Universal Credit is being rolled out. Since new claimants, and claimants with changed circumstances, are likely to be enrolled in Universal Credit, those already receiving tax credits would do well to stay on them by keeping their circumstances unchanged. This could mean refusing to take on more work, or refusing a promotion, for fear of being unable to reclaim tax credits at a later date.
5.07pm GMT5.07pm GMT
17:0717:07
Our economics editor, Larry Elliott, says the Office for Budget Responsibility did George Osborne a big favour today, by adjusting their forecasts so dramatically:Our economics editor, Larry Elliott, says the Office for Budget Responsibility did George Osborne a big favour today, by adjusting their forecasts so dramatically:
Chote’s team have had another look at their forecasts for likely tax revenues. They have done some modelling. And they have concluded that more money is going to come rolling in to HMRC over the next few years than previously envisaged. To be precise, an extra £2.5bn this year, £4.1bn next year, £6.3bn in 2017-18 and £5.4bn in the year after that.Chote’s team have had another look at their forecasts for likely tax revenues. They have done some modelling. And they have concluded that more money is going to come rolling in to HMRC over the next few years than previously envisaged. To be precise, an extra £2.5bn this year, £4.1bn next year, £6.3bn in 2017-18 and £5.4bn in the year after that.
With all this lovely lolly flowing in, Osborne could get himself off the hook on tax credits. Provided, of course, that the tax really does come in on forecast. Chote will clearly be top of the chancellor’s Christmas cards list this year, because it has enabled him to execute a U-turn with the minimum of fuss.With all this lovely lolly flowing in, Osborne could get himself off the hook on tax credits. Provided, of course, that the tax really does come in on forecast. Chote will clearly be top of the chancellor’s Christmas cards list this year, because it has enabled him to execute a U-turn with the minimum of fuss.
It has to be said, though, that the OBR’s forecasts have proved wanting in the past. They could easily be wrong again.It has to be said, though, that the OBR’s forecasts have proved wanting in the past. They could easily be wrong again.
Related: OBR lets George Osborne off the hook over tax creditsRelated: OBR lets George Osborne off the hook over tax credits
5.03pm GMT5.03pm GMT
17:0317:03
“Funny-money forecasts”... “ Sheer brazen cheek”.... A “180-degree body swerve.”“Funny-money forecasts”... “ Sheer brazen cheek”.... A “180-degree body swerve.”
Just a few highlights from our expert panel’s verdict - read it all here.Just a few highlights from our expert panel’s verdict - read it all here.
George Osborne's spending review – our writers' verdict | The panel https://t.co/AVOMSgWWd4George Osborne's spending review – our writers' verdict | The panel https://t.co/AVOMSgWWd4
4.51pm GMT4.51pm GMT
16:5116:51
Small print alert: OBR assuming another delay in the roll-out of universal creditSmall print alert: OBR assuming another delay in the roll-out of universal credit
The OBR is assuming there will be another delay in the roll-out of universal credit. This is from the OBR’s report.The OBR is assuming there will be another delay in the roll-out of universal credit. This is from the OBR’s report.
We have added our own forecast judgement of a further six-month delay to the managed migration phase of the [universal credit, or UC] rollout. As usual, we have considered evidence from DWP and the latest assessment of UC rollout by the Major Projects Authority. While this indicates greater confidence in the ‘transition phase’ rollout plan, considerable uncertainty remains over the ‘managed migration’ phase. And of course the transition phase rollout schedule has just been pushed back six months, just a year after the previous delay.We have added our own forecast judgement of a further six-month delay to the managed migration phase of the [universal credit, or UC] rollout. As usual, we have considered evidence from DWP and the latest assessment of UC rollout by the Major Projects Authority. While this indicates greater confidence in the ‘transition phase’ rollout plan, considerable uncertainty remains over the ‘managed migration’ phase. And of course the transition phase rollout schedule has just been pushed back six months, just a year after the previous delay.
And this chart hightlights all the delays that have already occurred. (The line on the left shows what was originally meant to happen, and the lines on the right are the most recent forecasts.)And this chart hightlights all the delays that have already occurred. (The line on the left shows what was originally meant to happen, and the lines on the right are the most recent forecasts.)
4.42pm GMT4.42pm GMT
16:4216:42
Relieved that (most) tax credits aren’t being cut? Or perhaps you work in a public service whose budget is being cut - or a company being hit by the Apprentice’s Levy?Relieved that (most) tax credits aren’t being cut? Or perhaps you work in a public service whose budget is being cut - or a company being hit by the Apprentice’s Levy?
Whatever the case, we’d like to hear how the spending review will affect your life:Whatever the case, we’d like to hear how the spending review will affect your life:
Related: How will you be affected by George Osborne's spending review?Related: How will you be affected by George Osborne's spending review?
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.48pm GMTat 4.48pm GMT
4.37pm GMT
16:37
Small print alert: Not all tax credit cuts reversed
Not all of the tax credit cuts announced in the summer are being abandoned. The Treasury is still going ahead with a cut to the “income rise disregard” - the amount of extra a tax credit claimant can earn before losing benefits. In July Osborne announced that this was being cut from £5,000 to £2,500. That cut still applies, and it raises £170m.
4.30pm GMT
16:30
Moody’s, which stripped the UK of its AAA credit rating in 2013, has warned that Britain still faces a big fiscal challenge.
Kathrin Muehlbronner, senior vice president at Moody’s Investors Service, says:
“While the autumn statement does not fundamentally change our overall view on the UK’s public finances, it again underlines the challenges the government faces in reducing the UK’s large budget deficit and doing so predominantly via spending cuts in a relatively small part of government spending.“
“We still believe that the government will manage to gradually improve its public finances and bring the public debt on a declining trend. That said, the OBR now forecasts a deficit of 2.5% of GDP in 2016/17, compared to 2% of GDP just eight months ago. This is partly due to the statistical reclassification of the housing associations into the public sector, but it also reflects higher departmental spending as some of the planned spending cuts, in particular the tax credit cuts, have been withdrawn.”
Moody’s isn’t alarmed by those spending changes, though - as it already expected the government to impose its cuts more slowly than planned.
4.28pm GMT
16:28
Here are all of Deloitte's #Autumnstatement #spendingreview comments https://t.co/gWYGWST9zc
4.20pm GMT
16:20
Labour insiders are briefing that John McDonnell’s Little Red Book moment was a humorous aside, in case anyone was confused.
Labour aides stress McDonnell's Mao quote obviously a joke and all part of Commons theatrics. The book idea came out of group discussions
They may be rattled by that Conservative attack note, outlining Mao’s record.
Tory Central Office has just sent round an attack briefing note on Chairman Mao. Apparently he was a very bad man.
SCENE: CCHQ, August: Staffer 1: You busy? Staffer 2: Just polishing the Mao file. S1: Really? S2: You never know. https://t.co/S0Ap6WWJgb
4.17pm GMT
16:17
Labour says Short money cut is anti-democratic, partisan and unfair
Labour has strongly criticised the decision to cut Short money. (See 3.11pm.) This is from a party spokesman.
This is another anti-democratic move by the Tories. Having already attacked the rights of working people they’re now coming forward with partisan moves to hit their opposition and give themselves another unfair advantage. If the Tories were really serious about cutting the cost of politics they would start with the bill for Tory special advisers which has rocketed under David Cameron.
Labour says the bill for government special advisers rose by 35% to £8.4m from 2011-12 to 2013-14, the last year for which figures are available.
4.09pm GMT
16:09
Average earnings have been revised down partly because the OBR thinks that the apprenticeship levy means firms will have less money for pay rises. This is from the OBR’s report.
We have revised average earnings growth lower relative to our July forecast. That partly reflects small adjustments to our productivity growth forecast, but also an assumption that the ongoing costs of auto- enrolment and the introduction of an apprenticeship levy will weigh on earnings growth. These are both economically equivalent to payroll taxes, so – consistent with evidence on the incidence of such taxes – we assume that most of the cost will ultimately be borne by employees. Together, auto-enrolment and the new apprenticeship levy reduce cumulative wage growth over the forecast period by 0.7 per cent. This estimate relies on assumptions about how firms respond to such changes, so is subject to considerable uncertainty.
3.59pm GMT
15:59
Small print alert: Average earnings revised downwards
And the OBR report also shows that average earnings have been revised downwards for the next five years (by 0.2% in 2016, then 0.2%, then 0.3%, then 0.4%, and then 0.4%).
3.56pm GMT
15:56
Back at the OBR briefing, Robert Chote has outlined how the government’s Apprentice Levy will drag wages down this decade:
OBR on impact of various measures on the economy pic.twitter.com/wKyGiRgDNq
OBR concluding points pic.twitter.com/oo6MsVg6iU
3.55pm GMT
15:55
Small print alert: Household disposable income revised down
According to the OBR, the level of real household disposable income has been revised down for 2015 by 0.5%. That means the OBR thinks we have had less money to spend this year than it previously assumed.
3.48pm GMT
15:48
Hunt agrees to go to ACAS for talks to try to avert junior doctors' strike
We’ve had two U-turns from the government today - on tax credits, and police funding.
And now there’s a third. It is not strictly autumn statement-related, but if you’ve got something embarrassing to announce, why now sneak it out when the nation’s journalists are already working flat out on a budget-scale event. “Burying bad news” it used to be called.
Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, has been resisting calls to go to Acas, the conciliation service, for talks to avert the junior doctors’ strike. The BMA and Labour have been pushing for this, but Hunt said he want the BMA to talk to him first.
Now, though, the Department of Health has agreed to go to ACAS.
Department of Health: Government has agreed to talks at Acas in a bid to avoid strike action by members of the British Medical Association