Chancellor confirms date of 2026 Autumn Budget

Chancellor John Healey has confirmed the 2026 Autumn Budget will take place on Wednesday 28 October.

In a video message posted this afternoon, the Labour MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough said his first budget will “move money and power out of Westminster, and into every postcode around Britain”.

He added: “It will be built on fiscal discipline. It will meet our fiscal rules. It’ll give businesses and families some of the stability they need to plan for the future. Now, let’s get on with the job.”

It comes after prime minister Andy Burnham announced this week that mayors will receive a share of income tax revenues for the first time to “invest in what matters most locally”.

Last week, he announced plans to cut business rates by a fifth for pubs, clubs and live music venues from April 2027. The government described the move as “a first step” ahead of wider business rate reforms planned for the budget.

Meanwhile, the industry has called on government to cut hospitality VAT to 10% amid a surge in closures and to ensure “significant safeguards” are in place ahead of applying a visitor levy on overnight accommodation across England.

The 2025 Budget was described by operators as “another attack on our industry”, with many having raised concerns over minimum wage, the tourist tax and an end to business rates relief.