Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt today delivered a pre-election autumn statement, with the stated aim to 'get the economy growing, debt falling and return inflation to its 2% target'. Key announcements included an increase in the national living wage, cuts to national insurance contributions and a commitment to maintaining the triple lock for pensioners.

In his speech, the chancellor focussed on three key areas:

1. Progress made on the Prime Minister’s economic priorities.
2. Growing the UK economy.
3. Making work pay.

While there were no announcements on health and social care in his speech, the chancellor reiterated his plans for 'the public sector to increase productivity growth' by at least 0.5% each year.