Fiscal deficit set to worsen

RACHEL Reeves' expanding fiscal deficit is poised to worsen as the financial watchdog delivers its final productivity assessment to the Chancellor on Friday.

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RACHEL Reeves' expanding fiscal deficit is poised to worsen as the financial watchdog delivers its final productivity assessment to the Chancellor on Friday.

The Treasury is already struggling to manage public finances following a U-turn on welfare reforms that destroyed hopes of £5bn in savings, while a £190bn spending spree on government departments has helped to erode the Chancellor's razor-thin £9.9bn fiscal headroom.

Reeves has repeatedly reinforced her 'iron clad' fiscal rules to finance day-to-day public expenditure through tax receipts.