Hoyle rebukes Chancellor Rachel Reeves over ‘premature disclosure’ of Budget

Commons Speaker says he was not consulted about the publication of the Treasury’s tax and spending plans

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has rebuked Chancellor Rachel Reeves over the “premature disclosure” of the Budget, saying he was not consulted about the publication of the Treasury’s tax and spending plans.

In a letter to Reeves, Hoyle said he was “disappointed” that the Budget had been published before he had been able to give his consent. He said the publication of the Budget without his consent was a “breach of convention” and that he would be raising the matter with the Leader of the House, Penny Mordaunt.

What is the Budget?

The Budget is the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s annual statement of the government’s tax and spending plans. It is normally published in March, but this year it was published in November.

The Budget sets out the government’s plans for spending, taxation and the economy. It is a key document for businesses and investors, as it provides a roadmap for the government’s economic policies.

Why is the Budget important?

The Budget is important because it sets out the government’s plans for the economy. It can have a significant impact on businesses, investors and individuals.

The Budget can also be used to make political statements. For example, the government may use the Budget to announce new policies or to change existing policies.

Conclusion

The Speaker’s rebuke of the Chancellor is a significant development. It shows that the Speaker is willing to stand up for the independence of Parliament and to hold the government to account.

It is also a reminder that the Budget is an important document that should be treated with respect. The government should not publish the Budget without the consent of the Speaker.