It's time for the Pre-Budget Report

What surprises might Darling have in store?

I have never known a budget or a PBR where so many of the key details were leaked in advance. Already, the papers are full of the news that VAT will be temporarily cut from 17.5% to 15%, and that the top rate of Income Tax will rise to 45% on earnings beyond £150,000 per annum.

I cannot believe that the return of Campbell and Mandelson would allow for these to be leaked accidentally, and so I wonder whether they were merely sending out trial-balloons for the media reaction, or whether there is a greater surprise awaiting us when Mr Darling takes to the Dispatch Box at 15:30 GMT.

Any guesses?

Morus