United Kingdom · Country watch

UK Budget Unveiled, Gas Charges Scrapped

Chancellor Healey's budget eliminates gas standing charges, impacting household costs and energy sectors.

Florent Kalfon · 28 October 2026 · 12 articles read

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UK conditions are mixed as Chancellor Healey's budget offers relief by scrapping gas charges, but new taxes on banks may affect the finance sector.

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In this briefing John Healey · UK Treasury · Police Scotland · Bonfire Night

Regulation

Energy
Public sector

Chancellor Healey scraps gas bill standing charges

Big Ben, London — Marcin Nowak / Unsplash

Chancellor John Healey announced the elimination of standing charges on gas bills in his 2026 budget, aiming to alleviate the cost of living for millions of households, according to The Independent. This move is part of a broader strategy to provide relief amid economic pressures. The budget also includes measures targeting financial assistance for low-income families and adjustments in public spending. Healey emphasized the need for immediate action to support households facing rising costs.

Impact Gas suppliers and households will see changes in billing structures, affecting energy sector revenues and consumer expenses.

Sources: The Independent ↗, London Evening Standard ↗, Herald Scotland ↗

Safety & health

Public sector

Largest police deployment for Bonfire Night in Scotland

Police Scotland is preparing for its largest deployment since Donald Trump's visit in 2018, as officers are brought in from across the UK for Bonfire Night, reports STV. The increased police presence is due to simultaneous events, including a major football match and a planned protest. The force aims to ensure public safety and manage potential disruptions during the celebrations.

Impact Event organizers and local businesses in Scotland will encounter heightened security measures, affecting logistics and operations.

Sources: STV ↗, The Scotsman ↗

Politics

Finance
Public sector

UK Budget includes tax on banks, energy bill support

Chancellor John Healey's budget plan, set to be unveiled on 28 October, is expected to include a tax on banks, increased support for energy bills, and a rise in the minimum wage, according to BBC. These measures aim to address economic challenges and provide relief to households amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The budget reflects the government's focus on balancing fiscal responsibility with social support.

Impact Banks will face new tax obligations, while households benefit from energy bill support, influencing financial and public-sector dynamics.

Watch UK Budget announcement on 28 October · 28 October 2026

Sources: BBC ↗

Nothing significant reported today in Disruption · Internal tension · Companies · Markets · Trade.

Also today in the local press

Standing charges to be scrapped from gas bills next year – Treasury — London Evening Standard
Bulletin AM briefing: Chancellor to deliver first Budget and Israel election sees record voter turnout — The Independent
Australia’s inflation rate rises to 4.3%, fuelling fears of fifth interest rate hike this year — TheGuardian
JEREMY HUNT: Reform the public sector or tax the life out of the economy? It's not difficult to work out which is best for Britain — Mail
UK households urged to prepare for emergencies and ‘attacks’. Here’s what to buy — The Independent
What to expect from this year's Budget — BBC
Majority of Britons pessimistic about future of UK economy as 70% expect Budget tax hike, new polling shows — The Independent
Budget 2026: What London can expect from the Chancellor's tax and spending announcements — London Evening Standard

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

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