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UK ministers announce five everyday fixes before Budget

Published

Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey announced five measures to ease living costs before the Budget on Wednesday. They include a permanent higher tax-free mileage allowance and wider parental pay.

Ministers also plan to cut the tariff on kerosene used as heating oil. Parental pay will reach more than 150,000 parents each year, including self-employed fathers who previously missed out. Reports also said tariffs will be removed on more than 100 products, including a range of foods.

Reports said Healey will also announce details of the Your First Home scheme in the Budget. The Times reported that income caps would rise to £110,000 outside London and £140,000 in London. That detail is not officially confirmed.

Reports said Healey plans limited giveaways and a rise of nearly 4 per cent in the minimum wage for low-wage workers. Unnamed warnings say family incomes could fall by between £440 and £770 over this parliament.

Key facts

Who
John Healey (UK chancellor); Andy Burnham (UK Prime Minister); The Times (newspaper that reported the story); David Lynch (Press Association Political Correspondent (report author))
What
Ahead of the UK Budget, chancellor John Healey is reported to be planning measures for first-time homebuyers, energy costs and small businesses, with limited giveaways and a nearly 4 per cent minimum wage rise for low-wage workers. Warnings say family incomes could fall by between £440 and £770 over this parliament.
When
27 October 2026
Where
Britain, United Kingdom, Iran
Status
Reported

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