Chancellor delivers Spring Statement amid 'cloud of uncertainty'

Chancellor Philip Hammond's second Spring Statement was delivered against a backdrop of political turmoil, following the voting down of Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit withdrawal deal.

Despite describing the economy as 'remarkably robust', the Chancellor offered a clear warning on the potential impact of a no-deal scenario, which he said would put progress on the public finances 'at risk' and cause 'significant disruption' to the UK economy.

The latest forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) revealed mixed news on the economy, with the OBR revising down its previous UK growth forecast for 2019 from 1.6% to 1.2%. Meanwhile, the forecast for government borrowing has also been revised down from £25.5 billion to £22.8 billion, with the Chancellor heralding rising wages and a strong employment market.

However, Mr Hammond emphasised the importance of a smooth Brexit transition in securing economic stability, pledging that a £26.6 billion 'deal dividend' would be made available to help boost the economy, providing that an agreement can be reached. The Chancellor also confirmed that a full Spending Review will conclude alongside the 2019 Autumn Budget.

Turning to other issues, the Chancellor announced new government investment in the UK's physical and digital infrastructure, technology, housing and the environment, together with a bringing forward of the £700 million reforms for business apprenticeships previously announced in the 2018 Autumn Budget.  

The Chancellor's statement also confirmed that the government will apply a 'light touch' approach to penalties under its new Making Tax Digital regime; and promised to take action on late payments, including requiring company Audit Committees to review payment practices and report on them in their Annual Accounts.  

Other measures announced include free sanitary products for secondary schools and colleges in England from the start of the next school year, and an additional £100 million fund dedicated to tackling the recent surge in serious violence and knife crime.