Thu, 04 Dec 2025

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 Investigation into pre-Budget leaks is under way, MPs told

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has given her "full support" to a review of security processes around the lead-up to the Budget.

* Chancellor Rachel Reeves is backing an inquiry into pre-Budget leaks that damaged business and consumer confidence.
* An investigation, led by Treasury civil servant James Bowler, is underway with the full support of the Chancellor.
* Leaks included details on a pay-per-mile levy for electric vehicles, a tourist tax, and income tax rate increases (later abandoned).
* The inquiry will examine security processes to prevent future leaks and inform fiscal events.
* A pre-Budget survey by Barclays found that over half of business leaders delayed investment decisions due to uncertainty around the Budget.
* "Hundreds of thousands" of people drew down pension savings prematurely due to concerns about potential tax changes.
* MPs from rural areas abstained from voting on certain measures, citing concerns for their constituents.
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