Rachel Reeves was hit with more grim news today as figures showed the economy flatlined in July.
UK plc was at a standstill in the month, in more evidence of a slowdown that could heap more trouble on the Chancellor.
Although there was a 0.2 per cent expansion over the past three months, fears are mounting that Ms Reeves will have a big hole in the public finances to fill at the Budget on November 26.
Labour MPs have been clamouring for a 'wealth tax' to raise billions of pounds more, although Ms Reeves has warned the idea is 'unproven'.
The spiking costs of servicing the country's debt mountain and extra spending demands have been adding to the difficulties for the government.
