Ministers allege Reeves and the PM overstated a gap in the public finances to pave the way for tax rises, withholding final OBR forecasts and key productivity data from cabinet. Reeves rejects the charge, saying tough choices were needed to tackle borrowing, inflation and weak growth.

Critics warn the Budget imposes a “stealth tax” on hospitality, with rates bills rising as reliefs end and thresholds stay frozen. Pubs and restaurants face higher costs. Ministers say reforms fund services and modernise the system, while opponents claim the public were misled about the finances.

Ministers have abandoned the pledge to give workers a day-one right to claim unfair dismissal, keeping a qualifying period. Aimed at appeasing business, the move has triggered a backlash from Labour MPs and unions, leaving the PM accused of watering down promised workplace protections.

Reeves’s Budget sets out £30bn in tax rises and record welfare spending. Income tax thresholds stay frozen, pushing about one in four workers into the 40% band. A new annual surcharge will apply to homes over £2m from 2028, and extra revenue is sought from pension contributions. OBR flags stagnant pay.