Given the Coronavirus uncertainties, whatever he announces could be even more provisional than most schemes of most Chancellors.
More delay would playing into the hands of the SNP and other opposition parties who claim that ‘Westminster isn’t delivering.’
One area that has had relatively little attention, but could get much more, is the behaviour of commercial landlords across the country.
There have been delays in sending payments to businesses. Rubbish collections have been missed.
How prepared are we for strict social distancing for the forseeable future, compulsory masks, closed leisure facilities – and a semi-functioning economy?
The most significant part of his announcement was talks with employers and unions “to urgently develop new forms of employment support”.
The implications of the crisis are such that Johnson and Sunak need not so much to think outside the box as to trample it to tatters altogether.
The Chancellor’s measures leave us well prepared to tackle its short-term challenges as well as helping to shape the long-term trajectory of the economy.
The author of the final piece in our mini-series identifies corporation tax, stamp duty, national insurance and investment allowances as targets for action.
Plus: More Ronseal, please. And: If the Treasury wants to flick multiple V-signs at blue collar voters, it will put up fuel duty.
The Chancellor could please every beer & cider drinker; charity donor; motorhome manufacturer, retailer and owner; caravan site owner, and public toilet user in Britain.
Finally, the television licence. The principle ought to be that those who wish to watch the BBC pay a fee and those who don’t watch it do not.
The most important sector is one usually ignored. Small firms constitute 99 per cent of all business in the country.
The Prime Minister was right to say many voters have only ‘lent’ us their votes. We must now earn that trust, by ensuring the benefits of life in a post-Brexit Britain reach all communities.
As Minister of Business and Industry, I will be working every day with those most at risk – whether in hospitality, tourism or travel.