Rachel Reeves to unveil Labour’s spending plans on Wednesday

• Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to announce Labour's spending plans on Wednesday, outlining funding until the next election in 2029, but experts warn nearly £5bn in cuts may be needed by 2028/29 to balance the books.
• The spending review will allocate billions to projects creating jobs and prosperity, with Reeves emphasising the plans are possible due to the stability she introduced.
• Analysis suggests unprotected departments like housing, policing, and culture could face real-terms cuts of nearly £5 billion by 2028/29, excluding recent commitments to restore winter fuel payments to pensioners.
• The Home Office is expected to bear the brunt of spending cuts, potentially impacting police numbers, despite being tasked with delivering key pledges.
• The Liberal Democrats criticised the potential spending squeeze, while the Tory shadow chancellor warned the spending review would lead to future taxes.

IN FULL

Rachel Reeves forced ‘to make £5bn cuts’ to balance books after spending review