Labour's stance on trimming the benefits bill has fallen into disorder.
Chancellor John Healey told the BBC at 6 am yesterday that the bill would be cut before the next election.
Within a few hours, Treasury officials said his comments were misinterpreted.
The controversy began when the Chancellor was asked if a cut would occur before the next polling day.
He answered, "There will be, there will be a reduction in the benefits bill, we'll do that in a Labour way."
The Budget watchdog warned on Wednesday that the bill could reach £430 billion by the start of the next decade.
Shortly before 1 pm, Number 10 informed reporters that no target date had ever been set.
Later that afternoon, Andy Burnham said the government was working "flat out" and the bill would be reduced "as soon as possible".
At 4 pm, the Chancellor told Channel 4 that Labour would not lower the welfare bill in the current Parliament, which is due to end in 2029.
The reversal happened within hours.
Two major reviews of the welfare system, led by Alan Milburn and Sir Stephen Timms, are set to shape the discussion.
After Labour avoided benefits cuts last year, Burnham appears reluctant to engage in the fight.
Healey noted that cutting the welfare bill would follow a Labour approach and might take years.
Labour insiders are pleased with this week's Budget, citing support from bond markets and the Parliamentary Labour Party.
The question remains how much patience taxpayers have for continued spending on Benefits Street.
