Resolution Foundation says Healey's budget leaves households facing higher energy bills

John Healey delivered a “scattergun” budget that, according to the Resolution Foundation, did little to boost living standards and puts Britain into “a painful second half” of the parliamentary term. The think‑tank warned that the measures aimed at easing household gas and electricity costs will still leave energy bills higher this year than during the last energy shock. It also noted that Healey’s bid to provide “breathing space” over the Iran war gives the rich almost as much as the poor. The foundation’s analysis suggests the budget’s relief is uneven and falls short of easing the cost pressures on most families.

The criticism highlights concerns that the fiscal plan may not deliver the intended relief for ordinary Britons, while the broader economic outlook remains uncertain.

Why it matters

Higher energy bills affect household budgets and the perceived fairness of fiscal policy influences public confidence.

Key details

Location

United Kingdom · Europe

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

29 Oct 2026, 14:07 IST

Key names

Britons, Iran, Resolution Foundation Business, Budget

Section

Business

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The Guardian‘Scattergun’ budget will still leave Britons facing higher energy bills, says leading thinktank 29 Oct, 14:07

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

Spotted an error? Request a correction · How this summary was produced