Dharshini David: Healey buys himself some time, but big questions still unanswered
The chancellor talked of charting a new course for Britain, but the impact of Iran war has limited his options.
John Healey talked of charting a new course for Britain, but this Budget was more about course-correcting than charging down a new path.
It was abundantly clear that the financial fallout from that conflict in the Middle East has hampered the finances of households and businesses – and the government's ability to help.
While the government targeted those impacted by higher energy and fuel bills, the "breathing space" it aimed to provide was limited; it is a pill that doesn't fully alleviate the pain.
So the chancellor appears to have bought himself some breathing space. But that means some big questions have been postponed until another day, not least on public services.