Healey backs away from welfare cuts as public finances face £28bn gap
Chancellor John Healey has ruled out cutting the cost of welfare this parliament, as experts warn his first budget ducked major tax and spending …
3 min
Section
Economy
US economy grows 3.4% in third quarter on strong consumer spending
The American economy expanded at a brisk 3.4% annualised pace in the third quarter, driven by robust consumer spending and investment in artificial intelligence, …
3 min
Budget forecasts point to years of squeeze on family finances
New Budget forecasts paint a bleak outlook for household finances, undermining the new government's promise of breathing space for families under pressure.
3 min
US Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady ahead of Bank of England decision
The US Federal Reserve has kept interest rates unchanged, with attention now turning to a possible Bank of England rate rise.
2 min
Healey raises bank and landlord taxes to fund £100 winter payments
Chancellor John Healey has increased taxes on banks and landlords to pay for a £100 winter handout for 20 million households as the cost …
3 min
Banks face smaller tax rise than feared to fund breathing space
Banks will pay an extra 3% on the corporation tax surcharge from January for 15 months, a smaller increase than some had expected, as …
2 min
Dame Meg Hillier urges Treasury probe into possible Budget leak
Chair of the Treasury Committee Dame Meg Hillier has called for an investigation after a news report predicting a Budget tax change appeared before …
3 min
Chancellor spares smokers and vapers from new tax rises in Budget
John Healey's first Budget leaves tobacco and vaping duty untouched weeks after a steep inflation-linked increase, while vape shops lose business rates relief.
3 min
Healey set to reverse cut to cash ISA allowance in Budget
Chancellor John Healey is reported to be scrapping the planned reduction of the cash ISA allowance from £20,000 to £12,000, a move the City …
3 min
Trump Says US Profits From Iran War as Gas Hits $4.27
U.S. President Donald Trump said the country is "making huge profits" from the war with Iran, as gasoline prices rise to $4.27 per gallon.
1 min
Treasury scraps gas bill standing charges for millions of households
Millions of households will no longer pay fixed daily gas standing charges under plans confirmed by the Treasury ahead of the Budget, with average …
2 min
Reeves and Healey expand state investment bodies, prompting calls for tighter oversight
The chancellor has given the National Wealth Fund and the British Business Bank substantial new capital, and a commentator argues that a dedicated regulator …
1 min
Healey weighs higher alcohol and tobacco taxes to fund public services
Chancellor John Healey is reportedly considering raising taxes on alcohol and cigarettes as the government searches for new revenue to pay for key public …
3 min
Healey to announce minimum wage rise with slower increases for under-21s
Chancellor John Healey is set to announce a rise in the National Minimum Wage at the Budget, with younger workers receiving smaller increases than …
3 min
Trump’s oil and gas investments have doubled since the Iran war
Investments linked to President Trump in the oil and gas sector have roughly doubled since the Iran war, a rise that has drawn scrutiny …
3 min
Energy bills could approach £2,200 a year as Iran conflict lifts gas prices
Renewed conflict between the United States and Iran, combined with dwindling gas supplies in Europe, has pushed wholesale gas prices to record highs, raising …
3 min
Rising prices and stagnant wages leave UK households squeezed, columnist argues
Zoe Williams uses a frustrating claw arcade game as a metaphor for the UK cost of living crisis, arguing that prices keep rising while …
3 min
Trump struggles to curb soaring energy costs after Iran war
Nearly eight months after launching the war with Iran, President Donald Trump has failed to rein in rising petrol and energy prices, complicating Republican …
2 min
Healey urges big banks to pay their fair share in Budget
Scottish Labour leader John Healey has called on the Chancellor to ask the largest banks to contribute more at this week's Budget, a move …
3 min
Opposition steps up calls for government to back Rosebank before Budget
Opposition parties are increasing pressure on the government to approve the Rosebank oil project, days ahead of the Budget, after ministers signed off the …
3 min
