Chancellor Rachel Reeves said at the time said she had "decided the right thing to do was to ask businesses and the wealthiest in our country to pay a bit more".

Economists have warned this could mean spending cuts affecting public services or tax rises that could hit people's pay or businesses' ability to grow.

Officials say more than 5,000 homes, businesses and other buildings have been destroyed, according to preliminary estimates.

The case is a grim reminder of the thriving criminal businesses that still entrap hundreds of thousands of people, forcing them in to cybercrime.

The Palisades fire, which has burned more than 17,200 acres and destroyed numerous homes, businesses and longtime landmarks in the Pacific Palisades area, is home to many Hollywood stars, studio executives and producers.