Spending Reeves says taxes will not increase again

Rachel Reeves has committed to not increasing taxes in Labour's next budget and said the government would need to "live within the means" of her spending plans as public services come under pressure.

- Richard Partington

After announcing the biggest package of tax rises in three decades in last week's budget, the chancellor dismissed suggestions that she would need to find more money by the spring to repair public services.

Asked whether additional funding would be required for "unprotected" government departments in next spring's budget and spending review - including for local councils, courts and prisons - she insisted enough was earmarked for the next five years.

"We've now set the envelope for spending for this parliament," she told MPs on the Commons Treasury committee.