From the editor-in-chief Fining powers Chris Fay Editor-in-chief chrisf@tsi.org.uk No sooner had local authority leaders warned of the impact of further budget cuts, than the Treasury announced theres likely tobe yet another round of them. Its an all-too-familiar pantomime in the run-up to a Budget, but its no laughing matter. Wednesdays Budget will see Chancellor Philip Hammond brandish the ministerial red box for the first time, in what will also be the first Budget since the Brexit referendum. The economy has fared better than many anticipated since the vote, handing Hammond a 29bn windfall. Unlike his predecessor, George Osborne, Hammond is believed unwilling to give away any surplus. The Treasurys announcement that government departments should outline cuts of up to six per cent reinforced that theory, with up to 1bn of savings to be reinvested in priority areas. We all know trading standards is not a government priority, but its adult social care cousin is in line for a much-needed boost on Wednesday. It follows sabre-rattling from some councils threatening eye-watering council tax increases to fund it. Another area of concern for local government and trading standards is business rates. The chancellor was facing a Tory revolt over plans to revamp the scheme, which will see some firms rates double. The Prime Minister appears to have backed down after she said hard-hit businesses would get appropriate relief and the Budget looks set to be the platform for the announcement. As to the details for trading standards, we understand fining powers for the worst unfair contract terms breaches will be brought in, as will plans to end the menace of enticing subscription traps. These are potential game-changers that should be welcomed with open arms. However, putting capacity issues to one side, will it allow us to tackle rogue companies outside the UK and EU? Thanks for reading, Chris