Darling 'to lower growth forecast'

Mr Darling signalled the likely downgrade after telling the Financial Times (FT) that the recent credit squeeze, sparked by defaults on US sub-prime mortgages, would have "some effect" on the UK economy.

The 2.5% to 3% growth range pencilled in by former Chancellor Gordon Brown could be trimmed to 2% to 2.5%, experts said. Most economists are predicting growth of 2.2% in 2008 so will be unsurprised by Mr Darling's likely revision, expected in a Pre-Budget Report statement next week.

Economists said the downgrade would put Government borrowing targets under more pressure and could tie ministers' hands over vote-winning give-aways ahead of any snap election.

Mr Darling told the FT that the crisis, which prompted September's run on mortgage lender Northern Rock, would "undoubtedly" have an effect on Britain.

He added: "If you look at the consensus of the economic forecasters, it would be prudent to assume that (the credit squeeze) will have some effect on us here."

Investec chief economist Philip Shaw said: "We've been sceptical over the strength of the Treasury's forecast for some time, and given the credit squeeze there are even more downside risks. The Chancellor is picking up the reins of the economy at a difficult juncture."

A slowing UK economy would also make it more difficult for Mr Darling to meet his borrowing target of £34 billion in the current financial year as tax revenues and spending fall.

Global Insight UK economist Howard Archer said: "He has two choices basically. He can either take corrective action to meet the targets, or assume that they will be missed a little bit. In an election, the last thing he will want to do is announce that he is going to put taxes up or cut spending."

Mr Darling said he was "ready" to deliver the Pre-Budget Report and Comprehensive Spending Review "whenever", although it is now widely expected to be delivered when the House of Commons returns from the summer recess on Monday.