YP Comment: No '˜spending sprees' in Budget

With tens of thousands of people protesting in the capital against 'yet more austerity' in the NHS, fears over Britain's housing crisis and concern about the growing number of households struggling to make ends meet, the Chancellor Philip Hammond could be forgiven for sitting a little uncomfortably ahead of his maiden Budget on Wednesday.

Instead he has sought to take the initiative against those who believe throwing more money at a problem is the best solution. Writing in The Sunday Times he said there would be no “spending sprees”, warning that to do so would be both “reckless” and “unsustainable”.

It was an astute move for in downplaying expectations he also brought a measure of realism into the debate at a time when the nation’s finances remain fragile amid the uncertainty of Brexit negotiations.

In all likelihood this will be a low-key Budget with the spending emphasis on key political priorities like the NHS and social care.

This reflects the pragmatism of the Chancellor himself who, since taking over from George Osborne, has proved himself to be a steady hand on the tiller, which is precisely what the job demands.

Mr Hammond will be buoyed by the news that the UK’s robust economic performance is helping drive tax receipts higher and boosting the Government’s books.

This might just provide him with enough wriggle room to bolster the public finances, which would be a welcome fillip as the Prime Minister Theresa May prepares to trigger Article 50.