The Chancellor is set to deliver a key pre-election message to the business and economic community.

Community activists and smaller parties may drain support away from the three main parties at the local polls on May 2, it is claimed.

The cross-party Public Accounts Committee said no ‘compelling evidence’ has been provided on what has been achieved so far.

The stalled progress of the Renters (Reform) Bill is said to be leading many responsible landlords to hold back investment in new homes to rent.

London boroughs have called for Government action as the number of homeless refugees is expected to grow further.

The Office for Budget Responsibility said council tax receipts are expected to outgrow the cost of the Chancellor’s centrepiece tax cut.

The Chancellor was under pressure to deliver a Budget that would improve the Conservatives’ prospects at the general election.

A groups of local authorities have been given permission to use capital receipts from asset sales to prop up services.

The Local Government Association warned that ‘cherished’ local services will be scaled back or scrapped because of a £4bn funding black hole.

Recent events do not appear to have changed voters’ minds on the leader of the Opposition as he remains more popular than Rishi Sunak.

Local government organisations say recent emergency funding will have a limited impact and frontline services remain under threat.

Inspectors will consider a wide range of concerns relating to the finances and governance of Tower Hamlets Council.

Budget proposals reveal big cuts across frontline services including social care, support for families with children and refuse collections.

Data released by the County Councils Network shows an overwhelming majority of households face an increase in their bills.

The two by-election defeats have piled pressure on Rishi Sunak, while Labour will be boosted in its belief that it is a government in waiting.

The Local Government Association insisted the current right-to-buy arrangements ‘can no longer be allowed to exist’.

The National Audit Office said the Government lacks a clear understanding of whether eligible people can access legal support.

Head of the Office for Statistical Regulation told MPs some Government departments continue to withhold analysis as a communications strategy.

The Government has confirmed public health grant allocations for councils, but experts say limited resources are threatening prevention efforts.

Research by the County Council Network reveals budgets for libraries, heritage and the arts have reduced by nearly £500 million over the last decade.