SNP Warns UK Bracing for Another Brutal Budget Amid Rising Inflation

The UK is bracing for another 'brutal budget', according to the SNP's Dave Doogan, who claims Labour ministers are softening up people for a Westminster budget of cuts and tax rises.

This comes after Prime Minister Andy Burnham conceded that next month's Budget will be 'challenging'. Chancellor John Healey will unveil his first budget to the Commons in October.

The warning from Doogan follows the latest official figures showing inflation reaching a five-month high, with Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation up to 3.1% in August.

The rise was linked to high petrol and diesel costs, with the Bank of England warning this week that volatile global energy costs could push inflation higher still.