Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper accused the government of rushing out the plans to avoid further bad headlines over this week's Budget.

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If Sunderland are to build on this vital victory and avoid further dalliances with relegation this attacking trio will be vital.

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But there are concerns that banks are keeping these no-hope companies alive in order to avoid taking further, potentially significant losses - and this, in turn, could be holding them back from new lending, which is needed to boost the economy.

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