Ministers complain to Treasury over spending cuts

Filling the gap in funding public services could lead to the largest tax rising Budget in a generation when Chancellor Rachel Reeves makes her statement on 30 October.

Reeves has decided to commit to a new borrowing rule that means day-to-day spending must be covered by tax revenues.

As the government insists it will stick to manifesto promises not to raise taxes on working people, the focus is now on the extension of National Insurance to employer pensions contributions and increases in some form of capital gains tax.

There is also speculation that amid falling petrol prices, there is a possibility of higher fuel taxes.