Helping hand from Reeves will go down a treat this Autumn

TRICK or treat? That's the question on everyone's lips as the Chancellor gets ready to deliver her Budget.

- ANDY BURNHAM

While it will clearly be a difficult one, I still believe it can be more the latter than the former.

God knows the country needs a lift and, in that vein, it was good to hear Rachel Reeves setting an upbeat tone this week promising "no return to austerity".

In my view, the best way for the Government to approach November 26 would be as day one of a new permanent campaign to drive down the cost of living.

I know there are no shortage of commentators who will say there is no headroom for any giveaways.

But politics doesn't always have to be about big things that break the bank. In these times, we need a relentless focus on anything that will take pressure off people and make life a little easier.