The streets of Ashton town centre were carpeted with crisp orange leaves, the clouds above them an impenetrable mantle of grey, and a mist of rain was falling so fine that you’d look ridiculous carrying an umbrella.
A few teenagers daubed in skeleton face paint huddled outside McDonalds and, from somewhere, the din of a pneumatic drill started up.
In other words, it was a typical British Halloween. It was a typical day for many but it followed a big national announcement that would change the course of how we live for years to come.
The autumn budget was announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves the day before. In it, she set out the new Labour government's major plans for taxes and spending.
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