Government criticised for not publishing budget assessment until November

“We’ll have it in a week, but you can’t see it” – the message from the government today as ministers stuck to plans to publish an independent assessment of the mini-Budget at the end of November, despite asking for a first draft by this time next week.

Critics say November’s too late to reassure turbulent financial markets, whilst charities and unions fear real-terms cuts to benefits and public sector pay could be coming down the track.