Will he really reform MoT rules?

Chancellor Gordon Brown has endorsed a scheme for MoT tests on cars every two years instead of annually as at present. This is a significant step for Mr Brown to take.

For if it happens it will mean less regulation, less red tape and could actually save motorists money.

In short, Gordon “Prudent” Brown would be abandoning the habits of a lifetime.

A man devoted to strangling the British economy in bureaucracy and wringing every possible penny from the public by more than 70 stealth taxes will be making life simpler and giving us some money back.

No wonder some critics say the Brown MoT plan will never happen.

The case for testing cars every two years is powerful. MoT tests have been compulsory since 1960 when it was a simple test of brakes, lights and steering.

In those days cars were not built to last. Modern cars are better built and covered by warranties to ensure they are regularly serviced.

It makes sense to make the first MoT compulsory after four years, instead of the present three, with MoT tests every alternate year after that date.

The new proposal, by effectively halving the number of tests, should ensure all tests are rigorously carried out.

It would give police a better chance of cracking down on the inevitable army of MoT dodgers. It will also bring British law into line with the rest of Europe.

Will it happen? We will believe it when we see it.

And we will be doubly impressed if Mr Brown, or any chancellor, agrees to a cut in the number of MoT tests without raising the charge per test.

An MoT today costs up to £50. What price has Mr Brown in mind - £100, perhaps?

Is pension truth in the fine print?

The devil is in the detail. Today’s announcement on pension reform has been carefully packaged to show off the good news.

Reducing the years worked to qualify for a full state pension will be widely approved. Linking pensions to average wages is also a popular plan.

But at what cost? Clearly, we cannot all work less and get more.

The lurking suspicion is that the real value of the state pension will be reduced in the years to come.

The pensions of the very poor will be automatically enhanced with benefits - but anyone with savings or a private pension, or paying into the State Second Pension might see precious little back from all they have paid in.

How many times have “giveaway” Budget Days turned out to be no such thing? Reform of pensions is long overdue but we will save our applause until we see the fine print.