All capital spending under review ahead of Jeremy Hunt’s autumn statement

Grant Shapps hints scaling back of Northern Powerhouse Rail could be among cost-saving measures

All capital spending is under review before Jeremy Hunt's autumn statement with a view to making billions in savings on infrastructure projects, with a senior cabinet minister hinting a key northern rail line could be scaled back.

No 10 denied reports on Friday that plans for the new Sizewell C nuclear power station could be scrapped, but big energy projects along with every other major infrastructure plan such as HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail will have costs reviewed.