Budget expected to herald 'end of austerity' - reports

Brexit deal still crucial

Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond is set to call "the end of austerity" in this afternoon's Budget, according to reports, while warning of the need for a new Budget if the UK is unable to reach a Brexit deal.

When he stands up to present his third Budget speech as Chancellor around 3.30pm today, Hammond will caution that "a brighter future of tax cuts and higher public spending will be wrecked if Britain does not secure a good Brexit deal", reports the Financial Times. The Chancellor, the paper continues, "buoyed by an unexpected £13bn windfall of higher-than-expected tax receipts, will loosen the public spending taps with more money for strained public services, including an extra £2bn a year for mental health". This aspect of the Budget is picked up by The Times, which predicts Hammond w...