Balls and Miliband will come under ever greater pressure to say whether Labour will match the coalition's post-election spending plans.

The Chancellor's decision to exploit the public grief over the deaths of the Philpott children in order to make the case for cutting welfare is political opportunism at its worst.

The PM's decision to reject calls for a "viable cheaper option" represents an opportunity for Labour to woo the Lib Dems.

Ministers consider plans to force workers to increase their hours or change jobs in return for receiving Universal Credit payments.