Sunday newspaper round-up: ITV, Tax, B & M

(Sharecast News) - ITV and All3Media's continue to forge ahead with their plans to create a £3bn British TV production giant. Ultimately, their idea is that the new venture will list on the London Stock Exchange. Although a deal remains far from certain, talks are understood to have reached a very detailed level. ITV's broadcast and streaming business would keep their own share quote, while ITV Studios was merged with All3. - The Financial Mail on Sunday

One million more Britons may end up paying the higher 40% rate of tax, amid speculation that the Chancellor is preparing to raid middle class earners. Rachel Reeves is not expected to change her previously announced stance against extending the freeze on income tax thresholds until the end of the decade. But experts believe that sneaky tax increases are likely later in 2025 as economic growth halts and defence outlays rise in response to the US President Donald Trump's actions. - The Financial Mail on Sunday

Former Morrisons chief executive officer, David Potts, is among the leading candidates to become B&M's next boss. Two sources near to the selection process have warned that no final decision has yet be taken and that an appointment was not likely for several weeks. The substantial amount of money that he still has invested in Morrisons may make any prospective move more difficult. - The Sunday Times

Top economists are calling on Rachel Reeves to modify her fiscal rules or hike taxes in her spring statement, instead of axing welfare. But sources from within the Treasury say that the Chancellor is looking to move ahead with reductions on spending, opposition from within her party's own ranks notwithstanding. - Guardian