The Expert Factor

It is nearly a week since Rachel Reeves set out her Halloween Budget – the first from a Labour government in 14 years. So who are the winners? Who are the losers? Do the numbers add up? How big are the numbers? And have manifesto promises been broken along the way?   Former Treasury special adviser Sonia Khan joins Paul and Anand to crunch the budget sums, dig into the chancellor’s plans and strategies, and explain what it all means for the government, for the economy, and for everyone who listens to the Expert Factor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Remember the days when Keir Starmer used to campaign for a second Brexit referendum? Since the general election we hear rather more about the Labour government wanting to reset the UK’s relations with the EU.   So have there been any substantial changes in the relationship so far? How likely is it that the government will be able to successfully negotiate on any trade barriers? What about Labour's plan for a security pact with the EU - what could this look like? And from the EU's perspective, is there even any appetite for closer relations?   Brexit expert Jill Rutter, of both UKICE and the IfG, dials in from Madrid to join Anand and Paul for am expert tour across the UK’s post-Brexit landscape Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nobody wants to be in debt? To find themselves owing money? Or to end up paying back high levels of interest? But it has been reported that Rachel Reeves is looking to adjust the government’s rules to allow her to borrow more. So what’s the chancellor thinking? How can the government borrow more? What can it spend money on if it borrows more? If the rules are so quick to change then why doesn’t every chancellor do it? And what actually happens if the government racks up a bigger debt? Well, take a deep breath, get your calculators out, and let the Expert Factor tell you all about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How does power work in government? Where does power really sit in government? And how can power best be given away from government?   The Expert Factor team aren’t exactly known for being 24-hour festival people – but when it comes to a festival about policy they are properly in the mood.   And in this special recording for this year’s Policy Festival, Hannah, Anand and Paul explore how policy is made (and could be made better through) with a fascinating discussion taking in missions, devolution, ministers, money and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices