Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is expected to unveil a ‘scorched earth' Budget today, slashing National Insurance and leaving little left for public services.

In what will be the final Budget before the General election, Hunt is expected to announce a 2p cut in National Insurance, with rumours there could an additional 1p cut to income tax now or in the Conservative manifesto.

Attempts to appeal to voters are likely to be bad news for struggling public services, with unprotected departments set to be squeezed further.

Hunt is expected to create a further push on public sector productivity, putting money into AI and other technology in an effort to find efficiencies. Clamping down on consultants and ‘diversity roles' is also expected to be part of the deal.

The MJ will provide full coverage of what the Budget may mean for local government as it unfolds.