The Chancellor has not suddenly changed who he is; he has carefully analysed the issues we face and plotted out a course of action to build a Britain fit for the future.
It is not especially low tax, nor is it unregulated – though it is certainly a more business-friendly environment then the UK. Here is why it works.
Plus: We need a Housing Minister who will do for new homes what Michael Heseltine did with development corporations in the 1980s.
This sector is a hugely important source of growth, tax revenues, and skilled jobs, but needs a supportive policy framework to really thrive.
Since the Stamp Duty announcement I’ve spotted soft ‘Corbynistas’ actually congratulating the Chancellor by name.
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.
Hammond’s plan – from abolishing Stamp Duty for most first-time buyers, through to reforms to help Universal Credit recipients.
Cutting the cost of living. Building more houses. Protecting the NHS. Developing skills. A draft of the proposals Hammond should deliver.
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…
Ignoring the family unit means pressures on benefits – and burdening some poorer families with the highest effective marginal tax rate in the developed world.
The Chancellor needs to help deliver the sense of direction so strikingly absent in Manchester last month, and indeed since last June’s election.
Five priorities set out here would boost exports, tackle business rates, protect the self-employed, increase housing and create jobs.
Her needs to deliver bold measures, but also show that he can read the politics and mood of the party and country.
The challenge for aid donors and recipients alike is to work together to improve its efficiency and effectiveness.