High street bosses press chancellor to cut youth employment costs
Tesco, Costa Coffee, the Co-op and other leading retailers met John Healey at No 11 to seek a higher national insurance threshold and relief on business rates.
#UK Budget
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IMF chief economist tells Healey to 'stay the course' on UK finances as growth forecast is raised
The International Monetary Fund's top economist has urged John Healey to "stay the course" on repairing the UK's public finances, after the fund lifted its growth forecast for Britain to 1.3% this year. The IMF cut its forecast for 2027 to 1.2%, warning that higher energy prices and long-term interest rates weigh on consumption and investment.
IMF upgrades UK growth forecast for 2026 but warns of 2027 slowdown
The International Monetary Fund has raised its forecast for UK economic growth to 1.3% in 2026, up from 1% in July, but expects higher energy prices and interest rates to slow the pace to 1.2% in 2027.
IFS warns budget will be a ‘work of fiction’ without plan to cover £35bn spending pressures
The Institute for Fiscal Studies says the chancellor must decide now how to cover £35bn of pressures from higher inflation and a defence spending pledge, rather than deferring the choices to next year’s spending review.
Iran war threatens Healey's Budget plans, IFS think tank warns
The Institute for Fiscal Studies says the price spike caused by the US-Israel war in Iran is a major challenge for Chancellor John Healey as he assembles his first Budget, leaving him to choose between spending cuts, tax rises or both.