Osborne speech

George Osborne will deliver a speech today trying to brighten up the image of the coalition government, despite the focus on the cuts agenda.

In a sign that the coalition is becoming increasingly concerned at the way it is being associated almost entirely with the cuts agenda, the chancellor will tell an audience of City analysts that public spending will be refocused on areas that boost the UK's long-term economic success.

He will also claim that the way funds are spent is more important than the amount available, and that he remains committed to a fair approach to the deficit reduction.

Ministers are still struggling to get their departmental spending reduction plans through the Treasury before the autumn spending review.