'Shifting sands' blamed as pre-Budget criticism rages

A CABINET minister has defended the pre-Budget process, saying it has taken place on “shifting sands” amid fears about the economic impact of speculation about what it will contain.

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Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander appearing on BBC1's current affairs show Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg

(JEFF OVERS/BBC/PA WIRE)

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander also declined to deny that the Chancellor is planning a pay-per-mile scheme for electric vehicles, even as she boosts a grant that cuts upfront costs for buyers.

Speaker of the House Lindsay Hoyle has criticised what he called the “hokey cokey” Budget and called out ministers for leaking key announcements ahead of Wednesday.