Chancellor Pledges Rail Fare Freeze – Did She Violate Ministerial Rules?

Rachel Reevesinitiated a final effort tonight to rescue her troubledBudgetreturning to the path by revealing a 'historic' cap on tra...

Rachel Reevesinitiated a final effort tonight to rescue her troubledBudgetreturning to the path by revealing a 'historic' cap on train prices.

The Finance Minister attempted to attract travelers by stating she had decided to keep train ticket costs 'for the first time in 30 years'.

Labourclaimed that the change, applicable to season tickets and other 'regulated' prices throughout England, will result in rail travelers saving £600 million in 2026/27.

However, the announcement, made just days before Ms Reeves' speech in the House of Commons on the budget, revived allegations that she was violating parliamentary tradition by disclosing parts of her financial statement in advance.

And tonight, the Torieseven proposed that the Chancellor could have violated the esteemed ministerial code if she knew about Treasury disclosures of previously discarded proposals to increase income tax rates.

The text indicates that 'during the time Parliament is in session, the key declarations of government policy should initially be delivered within Parliament'.

Last week, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle expressed his frustration regarding the extent of pre-Budget briefings, stating, "at one time, a minister would have resigned."

Ms. Reeves will present her financial statement on Wednesday amid reports that the economy has stagnated, borrowing has been worse than anticipated, and consumers are avoiding the high street.

In addition to her troubles, reports tonight suggested that 5 million individuals are receiving benefits without any obligation to work – a million more than previously estimated.

According to an analysis conducted by the Centre for Social Justice, in addition to the four million people receiving Universal Credit, there was an additional one million individuals claiming 'employment and support allowance'.

Following the chaotic reversal of her plans to increase income tax, Ms Reeves is set to reveal a 'variety' of tax hikes to address a multi-billion-pound gap in public finances.

At the G20 summit held in South Africa, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated his desire for the Budget to prioritize 'growth' and 'stability', mentioning that the Government aims to address 'the cost of living'.

Ms. Reeves stated that this was "the reason we are deciding to hold train ticket prices steady for the first time in 30 years," arguing that it would "alleviate the burden on family budgets."

According to Treasury officials, a regular traveler who commutes by train three times a week with a flexi-season pass could save £315 annually when traveling from Milton Keynes to London, and £173 per year from Woking.

But this evening, Tory transport spokesperson Richard Holden stated: 'It is positive that Labour have ultimately, due to continuous Conservative pressure, put a hold on train ticket prices. However, the Government, once more, is behind the curve.'

Last week, Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride sent a letter to Treasury permanent secretary James Bowler inquiring whether inquiries were taking place regarding pre-Budget 'leaks'.

And today, he said to The Mail on Sunday: 'If the Chancellor was aware these leaks were occurring – or even approved them – it could indicate a significant violation of the ministerial code.'

Ms. Reeves took a strong stance, stating to The Times that she was "tired of people explaining how to serve as Chancellor to me."

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