Italy set for senate vote on austerity budget

The Italian senate is set to vote on a tough austerity budget, which proposes cuts of 48bn euros (£42bn; $67bn) over three years.

Italy wants to reduce one of the largest budget deficits in the eurozone and avoid any need for a bail-out.

Correspondents say the budget is likely to be approved by the upper house, and then in the lower house on Friday.