Pensioners, ordinary workers and even chocolate-lovers were put on high alert today amid claims the Treasury is working on tens of billions of pounds in tax rises for the Budget.
The outlook seems to be darkening for Rachel Reeves as insiders admit the Office for Budget Responsibility is set to downgrade productivity estimates.
That will effectively take a sledgehammer to the Chancellor's plans, requiring her to take major action to balance the books. Officials are said to be working on the basis that £30billion of extra revenue might be needed - although sources stressed the numbers are uncertain and could still change by November 26.
Together with last year's eye-watering Budget, it means Ms Reeves faces imposing an unprecedented £70billion increase in the tax burden in barely 13 months.
Brits and businesses are already struggling to cope with surging prices and a stalling economy. The OECD forecast today that the UK will have the highest inflation in the G7 this year.
