With less than a fortnight to go before the autumn Budget, the Treasury is attempting to keep a tight rein on spending.
The message from the chancellor’s office has been “don’t expect fireworks”, as spending commitments and vital policy announcements, such as the review into business rates, are expected to be be shelved for a later date.
But there have been plenty of fireworks behind the scenes, as Rishi Sunak attempts to tighten the purse strings without losing his popularity.
