UK government departments told to outline cuts of up to 6%

Shadow chancellor says news of further potential cuts was 'sneaked out' and condemns government's 'failed austerity'

Government departments have been told to outline potential spending cuts of up to 6% with the aim of saving up to 3.5bn by 2020.

Before the budget on 8 March, the chief secretary to the Treasury, David Gauke, announced that all Whitehall departments should submit ways to contribute to the government's "efficiency review".