Sunak’s quick fix will not be the last

THE poorest among us and pensioners will be particularly interested in the special measures announced last week.

The Chancellor’s handout was some 50% more than most experts had forecast and will go some way in assisting the payment of ever-increasing bills.

The increasing pressure on food banks alone, plus the across-the-board increases afflicting every household in the land, had to be countered.

It was also a political move, not only in timing, but content – something to push ‘partygate’ farther into the history books.

Also, from the Government’s point of view, something to try and persuade wavering Tories from looking for another leader.

The windfall taxes imposed will not cover the costs of measures announced, and Rishi Sunak has had to raid his savings cashbox which has been getting heavier with the increasing amount of tax being collected.

So there will be less cash available for voter incentives come election time.

One worry, though, was the comment made by the Chancellor, “when things return to normal”.

I am afraid that such a wish is not on the cards for some considerable time, if ever.

Putin is hellbent on crushing Ukraine, and Russia has damaged its own economy and world trade.

This means high-cost energy for the foreseeable future, a fact that will affect the world economy for a long time.

Meanwhile, responding to the Chancellor’s statement, Rachel Reeves, his shadow, did her cause no harm if Labour want to elect their first female leader. Although she claimed in her speech that it was her party’s proposal for a windfall tax, it was originally the Lib Dems idea – truth with some politicians not really a priority.

Mr Sunak’s announcements will have brought a measure of relief to many and I was pleased to hear that the Triple Lock will be restored. It should never have been removed.

But the Government had better take heed that the current financial situation is not short-term, and be prepared to act again if necessary.