Since our last podcast on the risks of an unsubtle focus on the cost of living, the Government has carried out another U-turn to protect pubs from increases in business rates. Number 10 says this is a sign of an increasingly nimble government responding quickly to potential problems – but why do the problems arise in the first place? And will there be more U-turns now that Keir Starmer has pledged to put more money in people’s pockets?

• It’s time for the first live show of 2026 at Kings Place, and there's a lot to make sense of! Tickets here.

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Written and presented by Steve Richards.

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