HOW many times have we said immediately after a budget that it appeared to be neutral? Then after closer examination, we find that is not quite what it appeared to be.

Phil Hammond hit the hard core of his supporters by increasing Class 4 National Insurance Contributions for the selfemployed.

A week later, after being put under pressure, he decides to drop this clanger and leave a £2bn black hole in his budget. He will have to find £2bn in his next budget.

Can I suggest that he increases the income tax levels of the higher paid and leaves the NHS budget alone?

Ben Ord, Spennymoor