The chancellor will today warn that there will be no "blank cheques" in next month's budget.

Gordon Brown is expected to say that health is the government's number one priority and warn other departments that they may lose out as a result.

He will say that he wants to "put the NHS on a sound, long-term financial footing" even if it means being tough on spending in other areas.

The speech is being seen as a warning to David Blunkett that cash will only be forthcoming if it is being used to good effect in combating crime.

The home secretary is said to be preparing to clash with the chancellor if he does not deliver enough to fund his radical reform plans for the police, criminal justice and asylum systems.