Following July's change in UK political leadership, Chancellor John Healey will deliver the first Budget of the new government on 28 October 2026. With a stated focus on regional growth, higher living standards, and greater devolution, businesses will be watching closely to see how these priorities translate into tax, spending, and economic policy.
Against a backdrop of ongoing cost-of-living pressures, tight public finances and growing demands for investment in skills, infrastructure, and public services, this Budget is expected to shape the government’s economic agenda for the remainder of the parliament. While commitments remain in place not to increase the rates of income tax, VAT, or National Insurance, speculation continues around other tax measures, business incentives, and policies designed to unlock investment and support growth across the UK.
BBC Verify's Policy and Analysis Correspondent, Ben Chu, will cut through the political rhetoric to assess what the announcements really mean for employers and business leaders. Drawing on the latest forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility, he will assess the implications for growth, confidence and investment, while highlighting the key risks and the opportunities facing organisations in the near future.
Why attend?
This session offers a unique opportunity to understand the real-world implications of the government's first Budget. Whether you're a business leader, finance professional, department head, or simply interested in the UK's economic outlook, you'll gain valuable insights to help you navigate the economic landscape and prepare for the year ahead.
Don't miss this chance to hear expert analysis of one of the most significant political and economic events of 2026.
Please note: This is a hybrid event, with Ben analysing the Budget live at Lincoln's Inn, London, and taking questions from a live audience as well as online attendees.
More about Ben Chu
Ben Chu is a journalist, speaker and broadcaster who specialises in economics and current affairs. He was formerly the economics editor of Newsnight, the BBC's flagship current affairs nightly TV programme. Prior to that, he was economics editor at The Independent.
Ben has been nominated for ‘Business Journalist of the Year’ at the British Journalism Awards and ‘Business Commentator of the Year’ at the Comment Awards. He has reported from the US, China, Taiwan, Germany, France, Switzerland and Ireland, covering events including the global financial crisis, the eurozone emergency, Brexit and international trade disputes.
He sits on the international advisory board of the Sheffield Political Economy Research Institute (SPERI), is a member of the Society of Professional Economists, and is the author of ‘Exile Economics: What Happens If Globalisation Fails?’.