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A cut in VAT could form the centrepiece of the chancellor's pre-Budget report on Monday, the BBC understands.
Reports suggest VAT could drop by 2.5% to 15% as part of Alistair Darling's plan to revive the flagging economy.
Meanwhile, Gordon Brown, writing in the News Of The World, pledges to help struggling families and insists the government are "on their side".
In the Sunday Mirror, Mr Darling says "every household" will be supported through the "difficult period ahead".
'Wide appeal'
The newspaper articles are published amid much debate over the specifics of Mr Darling's recovery plan, which will remain under wraps until Monday.
It is understood that, as well as the VAT change, he may also announce further tax cuts targeted at poorer people, as well as big increases in public spending.
The BBC's political correspondent Jo Coburn said a VAT cut would have a wide appeal and could benefit a broader range of people than targeted tax cuts.
She said the government's priority was to get "any extra money in people's pockets as quickly as possible and to get them out there spending that money and so boosting the economy".
Mr Brown writes in the News Of The World: "I know how worried many people are about their jobs, making ends meet at the moment and about the security of their homes.
"No politician can promise to stop the difficult times, but I can promise that we will do everything we can to help people get through them fairly.
"I want every household facing difficulty at this time to know we are ready to help and on their side."
'Faint hope'
It is thought Mr Darling will say in the Commons on Monday that his recovery formula will leave Britain with a Ј100bn debt that the country will have to pay back later in the form of higher taxes.
Other measures expected in the package are help for people in mortgage arrears and loans for small businesses.
Tory leader David Cameron has opposed the plan, accusing the prime minister of planning to "throw money at the crisis in the faint hope that this will help recovery".
But Mr Brown warns failure to intervene only prolonged the pain of recession.
"If we do not act now, the downturn will be longer and more severe," he says in the article.
"A prolonged recession means people out of work for longer, more repossessions, and businesses taking longer to start growing again."
'Sensible and responsible'
Mr Brown also hints further government efficiency savings will be announced in the pre-Budget report.
Mr Darling says in the Sunday Mirror that "every household" will get support to help them through the "difficult period ahead".
"Worried mortgage holders will get help and I shall do what I can to help those who lose their jobs. And I will state exactly how we intend to pay for the help we are providing now," he writes.
"Like every other country in the world hit by major economic shocks, we are in a difficult position. And we, like many advanced economies, are moving into a recession.
"I will not play down the economic difficulties but equally I am confident that with sensible and responsible measures they can be overcome."
Meanwhile, an ICM poll for the Sunday Mirror shows the Conservatives have maintained an 11 point lead over Labour.
It put the Conservatives on 42% (down one since last month), Labour on 31% (up one) and the Liberal Democrats on 19% (also up one).
(BBC)
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