OBR’s verdict of a long-term 0.4% boost to GDP from fewer building restrictions will have real political impact but there are gaps in funding

One of the few bright spots in Rachel Reeves’s bleak spring statement was the economic boost the forecasters expect to result from the government’s planning changes.

Reeves was so delighted to be able to announce some upbeat news, she pinched a phrase from Gordon Brown, calling the resulting extra £3.4bn for public services “the proceeds of growth”.