Budget explained: Andy Burnham promised big change - is this it?

The Fourcast · Oct 28, 2026 · 28m

Andy Burnham came to power promising radical change, a circuit breaker for Britain’s stagnant economy. This was his first budget, meant to lay out his bold vision for Britain. But are we left thinking, is that it?

Chancellor John Healey announced measures meant to ease the pressure of soaring costs, including a £100 pay out for 20 million households, a rise in the minimum wage and some tax relief for small businesses. He’s targeting banks and the gambling sector with higher taxes to fund his plans.

But his opponents accuse him of kicking big decisions on defence and welfare spending into the…