Treasury chief Alistair Darling is expected to cut the economic growth forecasts for next year made by his predecessor — current prime minister Gordon Brown — when he presents his first pre-budget report on Tuesday. Darling’s spending update may also come with an electorate-friendly measure such as a cut in taxes on home purchases or inherited wealth.

NUCLEAR ENERGY

With natural gas prices volatile and people anxious about climate change, the nuclear power industry is touting its technology as a way to meet the nation’s growing energy needs without emitting more greenhouse gases. Over the next two years, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission expects applications to build as many as 32 new nuclear reactors.