Reeves pushes for OBR to upgrade growth forecasts amid planning reforms

Chancellor hopes to open up more spending headroom in budget by arguing changes could drive up growth

Rachel Reeves is pushing for the UK's tax and spending watchdog to upgrade its national growth forecasts to reflect the economic boost Labour says can be achieved from its blitz of planning reforms.

In a development that could open up additional spending headroom for the chancellor before next month's budget, the Treasury has held talks with the Office for Budget Responsibility to try to persuade its officials that unblocking the planning system could drive up growth.