National Insurance cut; pensions and benefits increased. But is that enough to distract from sluggish growth and the rising cost of living?
Rishi Sunak has finally done what his party has long wanted: cut tax. Jeremy Hunt used the event to herald the largest business tax cut in modern history as well as a retail offer by cutting national insurance for employees by 2%. The decision to prioritise national insurance over income tax was part of a wider desire by ministers to pitch this as a budget for workers.
Katy Balls is the Spectator’s political editor