Budget 2026 latest: Healey to pledge energy bill relief to ‘get us through a difficult moment’ but duck major reforms

UK Chancellor John Healey is set to announce budget measures including the removal of standing charges on gas bills to address the cost-of-living crisis. However, the government is delaying major tax and spending reforms until next year.
Why it matters
The budget decisions directly impact household finances and the broader UK economic strategy during a period of high inflation.
Chancellor expected to bring in a raft of measures aimed at tackling the cost of living crisis
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Martin Lewis has hailed the government’s plans to scrap the “poll tax on energy”, as the government announced it was abolishing standing charges on gas bills for millions of people.
Chancellor John Healey met with the money expert at No 11 on Wednesday morning as he prepares to unveil a series of cost of living measures in his first Budget today.
Headlinne story · 3 newsrooms
Chancellor John Healey Delivers First Budget With Targeted Support and Tax Changes
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3 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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