Rachel Reeves plans to curb tax advantages of salary sacrifice pension contributions in the budget, aiming to raise about £2bn. The change would reduce NI perks for staff and employers, trimming take-home pay and pension growth, while keeping the 25% tax‑free lump sum.

Rachel Reeves has asked the OBR to model income tax rises to help repair the public finances ahead of her fiscal plan. Options include adjustments to rates and thresholds. The Bank of England says uncertainty over possible rises is already weighing on growth.

Ministers face scrutiny after an individual accused of misconduct, a foreign national due for removal, was mistakenly released and spent six days in the community before the error was found. The justice secretary gave incorrect details in Parliament, while David Lammy did not deliver a prepared statement.

Rachel Reeves signalled broad tax rises to repair the public finances, saying we will all have to do our bit. Ahead of the Budget she is weighing measures likened to 1970s levels, implying higher bills for middle earners. Business groups warn on growth; she argues stability requires it.