OBR complained to Treasury before budget about leaks spreading ‘misconceptions’

Rachel Reeves preparing to deliver the budget last week, after a slew of leaks. Photograph: Isabel Infantes/Reuters

The Office for Budget Responsibility complained to senior Treasury officials in the run-up to the budget about a flurry of leaks that it said spread “misconceptions” about its forecasts, it has emerged.

Prof David Miles of the OBR’s budget responsibility committee told MPs on the Treasury select committee on Tuesday that the watchdog had raised the issue of leaks with the department before the chancellor’s statement last week.