There is a familiar rhythm to the final few weeks before any major fiscal event – Autumn Statements now having given way to Autumn Budgets of course.  There are sundry lobbying and influencing events, publications and tactics deployed – and that is just within Whitehall and Westminster!

Amid all that, however, there are normally a couple of big items that push themselves to the front in terms of interest from commentators and the media. Last spring, it was social care.  This autumn, housing has barged its way into primary focus as the political consequences of limited supply have begun to be felt ever more acutely.