Hammond puts feelers out for Autumn Budget 2017

Philip Hammond will reportedly begin a walkabout in the north of England soon, in a bid to boost relations with businesses ahead of his Autumn Budget 2017.

Although the date of the chancellor’s statement is still yet to be confirmed, a national newspaper understands that he will ‘press the flesh’ with firms outside London to discuss productivity.

Floated last year by Mr Hammond, the topic will be raised not to launch new policy but to highlight a government commitment to invest more in infrastructure for the region, the Times reported.

The chancellor’s tour meeting local firms, and likely aimed at showing government to be focusing beyond the UK capital, follows guidance on how to submit a Budget representation.

Published by the Treasury, the guidance is aimed at individuals, bodies or others affected by government policy, so they can comment or recommend a new policy for inclusion in Autumn Budget 2017.

“There will now only be one fiscal event in each year, held in the Autumn,” officials said, referring to Mr Hammond’s announcement at Autumn Statement 2016.

“From 2018 there will be a Spring Statement, responding to the forecast from the OBR, but no major fiscal event. In line with this, the representations process will not open ahead of Spring Statement 2018.

“You are therefore strongly encouraged to submit a representation ahead of Autumn Budget 2017 in order to contribute to the policy-making process.”

Addressing stakeholders, whose views will be “gratefully received,” the Treasury said their input must reach its staff by September 22nd, via email if an outfit or a survey if an individual.