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Autumn Statement 2016: Stay up to date with Bdaily

Chancellor Philip Hammond will deliver the Autumn Statement at around 12.30pm today, after the Prime Minister’s Questions.

Despite much uncertainty over Britain’s economy in the wake of the EU Referendum, Brexit and subsequent political upheaval, Hammond has kept cards close to his chest in the run up to today’s Budget.

One thing we are expecting to hear more of is the government’s £2bn research and innovation plan, which Theresa May announced on monday.

The plan, a key part of May’s Industrial Strategy we keep hearing about, is one of few economic commitments which seems to be set in stone. Aside from this much conjecture has fuelled various circles of the media in the build up.

It remains to be seen what, if anything, will be said of the Northern Powerhouse, the former economic plan promulgated by Hammond’s predecessor George Osborne.

Nevertheless, today will give both Hammond and May an opportunity to set their stalls on the country’s grand economic issues, namely tax, housing, business rates, fuel, infrastructure, investment and innovation.

The government has hinted that today’s Statement will be shorted than what we’ve been used to in the past and with ‘uncertainty’ being Britain’s post Brexit buzzword, perhaps the Chancellor will want to conduct business as usual.

Yet, following the shocks of 2016 so far, we shouldn’t be surprised if Hammond does pull the proverbial rabbit out of the hat!

Follow us on Twitter @bdaily and the handle followed by your region for the latest updates throughout the day, as they happen.

Until then, why not indulge in our coverage of the hopes, fears and expectations of business leaders across the country?

North East business views

Yorkshire business views

North West business views

London business views

Should you wish to issue a reaction to today’s statement, send a comment to your regional editor by no later than 3.30pm for a chance to feature on tomorrow’s bulletin. Comments will be included on a first come, first served basis.