In the very first episode of The Thick of It, the minister for social affairs is charged with coming up with a policy that costs nothing. It's a dilemma I'm reminded of each time we come to the Autumn Statement, when government needs to announce policies that are popular, support economic growth and are at least cost-neutral. This is the last Statement before manifestos start in earnest at party conferences next year. With nearly nine months of data since the Budget in March, stronger economic growth will be a big part of the story. I'd expect announcements on tax and youth unemployment to tackle concerns about cost of living, as well as responses to the current debate on energy prices and changes to green levies. From a place perspective, I'd welcome announcements about capital investment and a discussion on how to tackle the North/South divide.
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