Official figures show UK GDP rose by 0.1% in August 2026, beating forecasts of a contraction, although construction and consumer-facing services weakened.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readResolution Foundation estimates the Chancellor’s fiscal headroom has fallen from £24bn to £12bn and recommends around £8bn in tax reforms ahead of the Budget.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readThe IMF has raised its UK growth forecast for 2026 to 1.3%, but expects slower growth in 2027 and inflation to remain above the Bank of England target.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readThe IFS estimates that protecting departmental budgets and raising defence spending could require around £35bn in tax rises or benefit cuts.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readThe 10-year gilt yield touched 5.527% on 8 October amid a global bond sell-off, adding pressure ahead of John Healey’s 28 October Budget.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readChancellor John Healey has pledged to stick to the Government's fiscal rules and said fiscal discipline will run through the 28 October Budget.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readThe UK Government has offered the Northern Ireland Executive more than £1.5 billion as ministers seek to break the continuing deadlock over its budget.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readUK public-sector borrowing reached £77.3 billion between April and August, placing it £8.1 billion above the Office for Budget Responsibility's forecast.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readUK government borrowing costs have surged, with 30-year gilt yields reaching 5.925% — their highest level since 1998 — adding pressure on Chancellor John Healey ahead of his first Budget.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readBritain has sold £4.25 billion of 30-year Government debt at a yield of 5.8168%, the highest borrowing cost at any gilt auction or syndication since comparable Debt Management Office records began in 1998.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readJohn Healey is set to deliver his first major speech as Chancellor on Monday, with UK borrowing costs at their highest level since 2007 and pressure mounting ahead of the 28 October Budget.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min read