Rachel Reeves to delay some of Tories’ ‘unfunded’ road and hospital projects

Chancellor attempts to plug £20bn hole in spending but will commit to above-inflation public sector pay rise

Rachel Reeves is to delay a number of “unfunded” road and hospital projects on Monday as part of the Treasury’s anticipated plans to plug an apparent £20bn hole in spending left by the Conservatives, while committing to an above-inflation public sector pay rise.

The chancellor is expected to argue she has inherited capital projects that are “unfunded with unfeasible timelines” as part of her Treasury audit report to the Commons. The audit will be seen as an indication of the government’s early commitments and priorities.