The revelation raises the prospect of further damaging cuts in so-called unprotected departments that were also hit in the 2010s by the austerity policies pursued by successive Conservative-led governments. Reductions in day-to-day spending, which excludes capital investment, would leave departments that have already been squeezed hardest facing further pain. Those at risk include Local Government, Culture, Justice, the Home Office, Environment, Energy, and Work and Pensions.