Rachel Reeves sets early March date for spring statement as OBR prepares forecast

Reeves came under fire over the leaks, briefings and tax speculation that preceded the autumn budget. Photograph: Isabel Infantes/Reuters

Rachel Reeves has set a date of 3 March for an early spring statement, as Labour attempts to draw a line under a year of tax speculation that business leaders blamed for damaging Britain’s economy.

Announcing a date to prioritise “stability and certainty”, the Treasury said the chancellor had asked the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) to prepare forecasts for the economy and public finances.