Sunak and Javid testing budget ‘standoff’ behind delay of key Cabinet meeting

A Cabinet meeting scheduled for this morning has reportedly been delayed.

An alleged “standoff” between chancellor Rishi Sunak and health secretary  Sajid Javid is behind the cancellation, according to the Telegraph newspaper.

The department of health and the treasury have frequently conflicted over the cost of the “Living with Covid Plan” set to be announced by No 10 this afternoon.

The government has previously suggested that the £2 billion per month free Covid testing will end from 31 March.

Small business minister Paul Scull defended the plans during this morning’s broadcast round, suggesting that henceforth Covid ought to be treated similarly to the flu.

The health secretary is said to be demanding extra funding for maintaining elements of the scheme, while the treasury has said any funding ought to come from the existing health budget.