Think-tanks doubt UK chancellor can deliver promised deficit cuts in Budget

Summary

Leading think-tanks say the chancellor's pledge to slash the deficit does not seem likely, given pressures on public services and households. Economists warn that John Healey's Budget spending plans strain credibility, according to the Financial Times.

Timeline

1. Financial Times

   29 Oct 2026, 18:13 UTCSource ↗

   The Financial Times reports that leading think-tanks say the chancellor's pledge to slash the deficit does not seem likely given pressures on public services and households, and that economists warn John Healey's Budget spending plans strain credibility.