Budget boost for driverless cars and NHS

Next Wednesday’s Budget features heavily in the Sunday papers.

The Sunday Telegraph reports that Chancellor Philip Hammond will announce a pay rise for nurses after “bowing to pressure” from Conservative MPs and cabinet colleagues.

In an interview with the paper, he says he will confirm plans to build 300,000 new homes every year – equivalent to a city the size of Leeds.

He is quoted as saying “he will do whatever it takes to get builders building”.

“Driverless cars by 2021” is the Sunday Express’s front page headline.

The paper says Mr Hammond will outline plans to “turbo-charge” Britain’s technology industry.

In a comment piece, the paper says: “Mr Hammond finally appears to have heeded calls to start offering an economic vision for the country but his biggest test will be delivering it. “

Writing in the Sunday Mirror, shadow chancellor John McDonnell says Mr Hammond must deliver a Budget which alleviates what he describes as the “emergency” taking place in public services.

He says it must be designed to improve the lives of the many – and not just an attempt to save the jobs of Mr Hammond and Prime Minister Theresa May.

The Observer reports that more than 1,000 childminders and nurseries have gone out of business since the Conservative government was elected in 2015 – with a promise of 30 hours of free childcare for working parents.

The Ofsted figures were obtained by the Labour MP, Tracy Brabin, who says they show “a system in crisis”.

She accuses ministers of failing to sufficiently fund the system.

The government has said it has fulfilled its pledge to double free childcare to 30 hours a week.

The Irish Times looks at the legacy of Gerry Adams, after he announced he was standing down as president of Sinn Fein.

It writes that no-one can deny the impact he has had on Ireland – whether they view him as a Republican hero or a monster.

The paper says with the departure of Mr Adams and the death of Martin McGuiness, two “cult-like” figures are leaving the Irish political stage.

And the Sunday Telegraph reports on a group of Benedictine monks having a modern makeover.

The story, about the refurbishment of Ampleforth Abbey in North Yorkshire, is illustrated by a photo of a monk whizzing around the monastery grounds on a mini scooter.

The aging living accommodation is being updated – leaving one of its residents pondering: “Is an en-suite going too far for a monk?”