Forget gold, frankincense and myrrh. The best Christmas present for government and consumers alike is a sharp drop in the rate of inflation.
The headline Consumer Prices Index (CPI) fell sharply to 3.9 per cent in November from 4.6 per cent the previous month, a far larger reduction than expected by City economists.
The Office for National Statistics attributed the figure to the lower cost of fuel, second-hand cars, computer games and bread. CPI is now at its lowest level for two years, raising hopes that the Bank of England may begin to cut interest rates as early as the middle of next year.
Inflation does of course come under the Bank’s purview, which still has some way to go to meet its two per cent target. Meanwhile, the UK economy is flatlining at best. Indeed, last month, output fell by 0.3 per cent.
But Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt will no doubt be bolstered by the inflation data. Families in London and across the country will also breathe a sigh of relief, with signs that the cost of living crisis may be drawing to a close.
Yet falling inflation does not undo a prolonged period of sharply rising prices. Anyone doing their Christmas shopping will have seen how their receipts compare unfavourably with previous years. The challenge for the Conservatives is to persuade weary voters that they are the party not only to oversee the tough times, but to secure a sustainable recovery.
Gender identity guidance
After a long deliberation, the Department for Education has determined that schools in England have no “general duty” to allow children to change their gender identity.
The non-statutory guidance states that parents "should not be excluded" from decisions taken by a school or college relating to requests for a child to "socially transition” - that is when pupils change their names, pronouns and clothing.
Teachers, meanwhile. will not be compelled to address children who want to change their gender identity by their chosen pronoun if they have a "good faith" objection. The draft guidance advises that schools should allow a period of “watchful waiting” before considering a request to ensure it is “properly thought through”.
Official guidelines are vital to help school leaders act with consistency when it comes to trans issues. Raising and educating children has always taken a village, led foremost by parents but also teachers, neighbours and role models. This government guidance should help schools to make the best decisions for the young people in their care.
All too often, debates around trans issues have come to generate far more heat than light. This guidance is an opportunity to provide sensible advice to teachers away from the harsh conditions of the culture war.
All hail Mary Earps
Linear, terrestrial television has still got it. And BBC Sports Personality of the Year was certainly in safe hands with Mary Earps.
The Manchester United and England goalkeeper bested Stuart Broad and Katarina Johnson-Thompson to pick up the prestigious prize last night. Earps was the Lionesses’ player of the tournament at the World Cup, picking up the Golden Glove award for the best ’keeper.
Following wins for Beth Mead and Emma Raducanu, this makes Earps the third woman to win the award in a row, the first time that has happened since the 1960s.
Women’s professional sport in this country is going from strength to strength. Bring on 2024.
