UK consumer price inflation rose to 3.5 percent in the year to September 2026, up from 3.1 percent in August, driven by higher petrol and diesel costs.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies warns Chancellor John Healey needs £36 billion in tax hikes or welfare cuts in his 28 October Budget just to offset inflation and meet defence pledges.
Amber wind warnings stayed in place across Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England on Sunday 25 October 2026 as Storm Boelo, the second named storm in two days, brought gusts forecast up to 80mph.
Chancellor John Healey will use the Budget to hand English mayors new funding and powers, including a £1.5 billion borrowing facility and £285 million of Good Growth seed funding next year, Reuters reported.
Britain will provide £20.4 billion of additional capital to the National Wealth Fund and the British Business Bank over roughly five years, the Financial Times reported, citing the Treasury.
British Summer Time ends on Sunday 25 October 2026: clocks go back from 2am BST to 1am GMT, giving an extra hour in bed and earlier sunsets.