The Resolution Foundation found that the poorest half of households will receive an average of £158 in cost-of-living relief across this year and next, merely £14 more than the richest half. This distribution came alongside broader warnings that funding for 13 unprotected government departments could fall to 4.7% of GDP by 2031-32 to accommodate defence and health spending goals. In post-budget broadcast interviews, John Healey stated his intention to reduce welfare spending before the next general election. Economic watchdogs are presenting their evaluations today as lawmakers continue to debate the broader fiscal trajectory.
Key points
Independent budget assessments conclude that the latest cost-of-living measures largely f…: Independent budget assessments conclude that the latest cost-of-living measures largely fail to concentrate assistance on Britain's most vulnerable households.
Long-term public expenditure plans pose significant austerity risks for public services o…: Long-term public expenditure plans pose significant austerity risks for public services outside of the protected health and defence sectors.
Working families face substantial living standard declines as projected disposable income…: Working families face substantial living standard declines as projected disposable income cuts coincide with planned future reductions in welfare spending.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Good morning. The day after the budget is often the moment when big initiatives announced by the chancellor the day before with a flourish start to unravel as experts pore over the small print. There is not much of that happening this morning – mainly because John Healey did not have any really big initiatives up his sleeve. Compared with a normal budget, his tax and spending initiatives were mostly relatively minor. That means that the opposition parties have been struggling to find things to attack, and so instead they have resorted to criticising Healey for what he did not do: slash welfare (the Tory/Reform UK solution), or join the EU’s single market (the Lib Dems’).
Healey has given interviews to all the main broadcasters, which are playing out this morning, but they were recorded last night and they don’t have any sensational new revelations. As Rowena Mason reports, one of the top lines was Healey saying he would cut welfare spending before the election.
But there were other lines in the interviews too. I will be posting all the…
American authorities are scrutinizing foreign influence operations targeting leadership within key technology companies. The suspected intelligence gathering focused on connections tied directly to figures who help shape national tech policy at the highest levels of government. This probe highlights growing concerns over sensitive policy insights being funneled directly to foreign adversaries.
Lawmakers are attempting to shift the heavy economic burden of public unrest away from taxpayers as nationwide demonstrations over education and living costs escalate. The proposed measure enables the state to seize welfare benefits from individuals participating in violent gatherings to cover collective damages. This legislative push coincides with severe fiscal constraints as the government faces multi-decade highs in borrowing costs.
Disciplinary scrutiny has intensified in Asian soccer after claims that regional leadership suppressed open debate to orchestrate political backing for world football's governing body. The formal inquiry highlights growing internal friction ahead of the upcoming global presidential ballot. Regional administrators insist proper meeting procedures were observed and demand concrete proof for any integrity complaints.