"But a "technical error" meant details were released in full about 40 minutes before Rachel Reeves got to her feet to deliver her policies, instead of afterwards as intended. The report appeared to prematurely confirm a number of measures, including the end of the two-child benefit cap, continuing freezes on income tax thresholds for the next three years, and a new pay-per-mile charge on electric vehicles."
"The OBR quickly removed the forecast document from its website and launched an investigation into how it was published too early. "We apologise for this technical error and have initiated an investigation into how this happened," a spokesperson said, adding it will be reporting to the OBR's oversight board, the Treasury, and the Commons Treasury Committee on how the error happened."
"OBR chair Richard Hughes has also personally apologised "for the error", telling broadcasters "I will take action later to make sure it doesn't happen again". Asked if he would resign, he said: "I've given you a statement, that is all I have to say." Reacting to the leak in the Politics Live studio, BBC political editor Chris Mason said: "The sheer absurdity of reading out something the chancellor has not yet announced in the Commons is mind-blowing"."
The Office for Budget Responsibility apologised after accidentally publishing its economic forecast roughly 40 minutes before the chancellor's Budget statement. The early release confirmed measures including the end of the two-child benefit cap, continued freezes on income tax thresholds for the next three years, and a new pay-per-mile charge for electric vehicles. The OBR removed the document from its website and opened an investigation, promising to report findings to its oversight board, the Treasury and the Commons Treasury Committee. OBR chair Richard Hughes apologised and pledged action to prevent recurrence, and broadcasters reacted strongly to the premature disclosure.
Read at www.bbc.com
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