Reeves to slash welfare budget

RACHEL Reeves is expected to slash billions from welfare and other government bills as she battles to balance the books.

- BY LIZZY BUCHAN Political Editor

The Chancellor is thought to be eyeing savings as she prepares her Spring Statement, due March 26.

The plans are believed to involve cuts to welfare, Whitehall budgets and wider government efficiencies.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has been drawing up reforms to reduce the number of people on health-related benefits.

She told a Cabinet meeting this week that there are 2.8 million people out of work due to ill health. Last year the government spent £65billion on sickness benefits, a figure forecast to hit £100bn by 2030.