HM Treasury
The government’s economic and finance ministry, responsible for Budgets and fiscal policy.
UK flooding and drought resilience taskforce to meet on 14 October
A new Flood and Drought Resilience Taskforce meets on Wednesday, bringing more than 50 organisations together on water risk. Sky News understands it has no new powers.
Budget landlord property tax changes: 22% rate from April 2027
Landlord tax allowance changes are limited, but new property rates of 22%, 42% and 47% from April 2027 will raise rental income tax and trim property investment returns.
ISA withdrawal tax clawback rules UK: where charges really apply
Taking money out of most ISAs costs nothing in tax, but Lifetime ISAs carry a 25% charge and new rules take effect from 6 April 2027. Here is the ISA withdrawal mistake HMRC rules actually penalise.
Lifetime ISA withdrawal penalties: what first-time buyers pay
A 25% charge applies to unauthorised Lifetime ISA withdrawals. Here are the early withdrawal rules, the cost in pounds, and how to avoid the charge when buying a first home.
Pavement EV charging for renters and flat dwellers: what to know
If you rent or live in a flat without a driveway, on-street charging is growing across England. Here is what it could mean for your costs and your next steps.
UK regional innovation funding 2026: established mayors to get devolved R&D budgets from 2028
The Prime Minister has announced £1bn for innovation clusters and devolved R&D budgets for established English mayors from 2028. The regional growth funding announcement comes ahead of this month's Budget.
First home scheme deposit requirements await October Budget clarity
The new first-time buyer deposit help scheme would cut deposits to 2.5% on new-builds, but LSL warns some buyers may wait for Budget detail before acting.
DVLA over-70s mandatory eyesight test: what was proposed
Reports of DVLA over-70s mandatory test rules rest on a Department for Transport consultation on eyesight checks at licence renewal that closed in May 2026. It was a proposal, not law, and not a driving test.
Budget 2026: Tesco chief urges Chancellor to exempt retailers from higher rates on large properties
Tesco chief executive Ken Murphy has urged the Chancellor to exempt retailers from higher business rates on large properties, while John Lewis chair Jason Tarry criticises possible warehouse levy proposals ahead of the 28 October Budget.
UK robotics investment: eight hubs to help businesses adopt tech
The government has launched eight hubs backed by £40m to help firms and public services adopt robotics. Whether small firms can afford it is the open question.
UK retail footfall falls 2.9% in September as Budget and Christmas near
After a 2.9% fall in September footfall, the BRC and John Lewis have set out tax asks for the Chancellor ahead of the 28 October Budget, as Christmas trading nears.
Stamp duty reform for first-time buyers: ministers target delays
The government's homebuying package targets delays and collapsed sales, not stamp duty allowance changes. The tax itself is untouched in the announcement.
Clocks go back 25 October: darker drives and what UK drivers need to know
The clocks go back one hour on Sunday 25 October, bringing darker evening drives. No new driving law takes effect that day, but safety checks matter now.
