Hammond boosts housing and NHS spending as growth forecasts are slashed
Autumn budget also includes stamp duty cut, 1.5bn universal credit U-turn and extra 3bn for Brexit preparations
Philip Hammond has reduced stamp duty for first-time homebuyers as part of a package of measures to boost the economy, despite a sharp cut in forecasts for economic growth as the UK prepares to leave the European Union.
In the government's first major economic announcement since Theresa May lost the Conservatives' majority at the election, the chancellor axed the property tax for the majority of first-time buyers, pumped an additional 2.8bn into the NHS in England and earmarked 1.5bn to cut waiting times for universal credit claimants.
Related: Key points from budget 2017 - at a glance
Related: Five key charts you need to see to explain the budget
Just to be clear then, government planning to spend more on brexit than the NHS - 3bn to 2.8bn. Look forward to seeing the bus with that on driving around... #brexithaos #budget17
Continue reading...