Reeves should consider NHS charges and end to pension triple lock - IMF

The International Monetary Fund has urged Rachel Reeves to consider ending the pensions triple lock and charging for NHS treatment as it said the government risked being knocked off course in meeting its targets to repair the public finances.

- Phillip Inman

In a final version of an annual report on Britain's economy, the Washington-based organisation said the chancellor should also give herself more leeway in the next budget before adopting fresh tax or spending measures.

The IMF said budget rules put in place by Reeves last October to support the government's deficit reduction plans had enhanced the credibility and effectiveness of fiscal policy.

"Risks to this strategy must be carefully managed," it said. "In an uncertain global environment and with limited fiscal headroom, fiscal rules could easily be breached if growth disappoints or interest rate shocks materialise."