Reader Q&A: Our money and economics correspondents answer your Budget 2026 questions
This story was selected and curated by our editorial team in the Austerity category. Published on October 29, 2026 • Originally reported by Hilary Osborne, Heather Stewart and Guardian moderators. OMEGAZEPRIME provides independent news coverage and analysis for our readers. Stay informed with the latest developments.
The 2026 budget has been revealed; how will it affect you personally, will it change the country and has chancellor John Healey done enough to prepare for the challenges ahead? Our money and economics editors Hilary Osborne and Heather Stewart will be answering your questions from 3pm (GMT) today.
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Yesterday Chancellor John Healey gave his maiden budget under Andy Burnham’s leadership, announcing measures to cut energy bills funded by a windfall tax on banks. He characterised his plan as “a budget built on fiscal discipline” fit to face “global economic storms” that are driving up up energy prices.
Does Healey’s budget represent a break with the past, or is the lower-than-expected tax on banks just another example of tinkering around the edges by another Chancellor fenced in by self-imposed fiscal rules?
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