As autumn deepens and another Budget approaches, those of us in the construction industry will once again be listening for hints of good news amid the usual political theatre. For all the talk of 1.5 million homes over this parliament, grand infrastructure projects, levelling up towns and cities, what the industry craves is not rhetoric but delivery.

This chancellor has already flown more kites than Mary Poppins before her fiscal event on November 26. Yesterday’s unprecedented preparatory speech in Downing Street only added to the sense of anticipation. She has all but pole-axed the housing sector with her speculation around stamp duty reform and taxation.

Our sector has been through a turbulent few years, buffeted by inflation, Brexit, covid-19, supply chain disruption, labour shortages and regulatory churn. The autumn Budget presents a rare opportunity to offer stability and direction.