-
Chancellor Rachel Reeves will deliver a low-key Spring Statement on March 3, focusing on economic forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility. No major policy changes are expected, but the event will reveal insights into the government's fiscal health amid recent economic challenges, including slow growth and rising unemployment.
-
UK house prices increased by 0.3% in February, with annual growth steady at 1%. The market remains resilient ahead of the spring forecast, avoiding the negative speculation seen before last November’s budget. Economists expect continued recovery, supported by improved affordability and mortgage availability.
-
As of December 2025, the UK government is expanding its Electric Car Grant by £1.3bn and adding £200m for charging infrastructure to support EV adoption. This comes amid stalled EV demand due to high upfront costs and plans for a new pay-per-mile tax on EVs from 2028, sparking industry concerns about potential market slowdown.
-
Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended recent government measures, including a £26 billion tax hike and welfare reforms, amid criticism over economic forecasts and policy decisions. Opposition leader Keir Starmer accused the government of misleading the public and emphasized the importance of welfare and economic stability. The story highlights ongoing political and economic tensions in the UK.
-
The UK government faces ongoing scrutiny after leaks and the resignation of the OBR chair Richard Hughes. The Budget process was marred by unauthorized leaks, a premature document release, and conflicting reports on public finances. The OECD warns that fiscal tightening will slow growth, while political tensions escalate over the handling of leaks and economic forecasts.
-
The UK Parliament is set to vote on removing the two-child benefit cap, a policy linked to rising child poverty. Experts estimate this change will reduce child poverty by 550,000 by 2030, but warn further measures are needed to sustain progress amid deepening poverty levels.
-
Recent official figures show UK net migration fell sharply to 204,000 in 2025, raising concerns about long-term economic growth and public finances. Think tanks warn that sustained zero migration could shrink the workforce, reduce tax revenues, and increase borrowing, potentially leading to a 3.6% smaller economy by 2040.
-
Britain is exploring ways to increase its defense budget to 3% of GDP by 2029, ahead of previous plans. Prime Minister Starmer emphasized the need to 'step up' spending amid ongoing security threats, with discussions ongoing about the timing and funding of this increase.