www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/rishi-sunak-considers-freezing-benefits-22712652?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sharebar
Rishi Sunak has looked at a freeze on benefits and public sector pay to fight the spiralling cost of the coronavirus crisis, it is reported today.
Sources failed to rule out the crushing blow to millions of workers and the poorest - just a few years after long austerity freezes finally ended.
The Chancellor is also said to be trying to persuade Boris Johnson to suspend the "triple lock" on pensions, reports the Mail on Sunday - amid fears it will artificially rise due to the economic turmoil.
A Treasury source downplayed the reports, emphasising that the government previously said there would be no return to austerity.
However, the department failed to rule out the claims, saying it would not comment on future tax or spending decisions