Jeremy Hunt defies public services alarm with pre-election budget tax cuts

Jeremy Hunt, pictured preparing his spring budget, is likely to impose strict spending limits. Photograph: Kirsty O'Connor/HM Treasury

Jeremy Hunt will use his final budget before the election to promise voters lower tax and higher growth, with the chancellor set to announce a 2p cut to national insurance, even at the expense of public services.

Sources said on Tuesday Hunt had decided to reduce national insurance for the second time in less than six months, having defied calls from some in Downing Street and across the party for a more expensive pre-election income tax cut.