Business News

This section contains the latest business news stories.

Chancellor 'choosing to spend more and borrow more', says think tank

In its response to the 2025 Autumn Budget, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has stated that Chancellor Rachel Reeves is 'choosing to spend more and borrow more' than she previously said she would.

View our 2025 Autumn Budget Report

Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her 2025 Autumn Budget speech yesterday, outlining a range of financial measures.

2025 Autumn Budget - what to expect

Chancellor Rachel Reeves will present the 2025 Autumn Budget today. We will keep you up to date on the key Autumn Budget announcements and supply a summary, which will appear on our website.

2025 Autumn Budget - the political reaction

Addressing the House of Commons, Chancellor Rachel Reeves used the 2025 Autumn Budget to freeze Income Tax and National Insurance (NI) thresholds for an extra three years beyond 2028; remove the two-child benefit cap from April 2026; and extend the 5p 'temporary' Fuel Duty cut on petrol and diesel until September 2026.

2025 Autumn Budget - the business reaction

Business groups have reacted to Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Autumn Budget speech.

2025 Autumn Budget - the economic picture

Within her Autumn Budget speech, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced measures that will raise taxes by £26 billion in 2029/30, including a freeze on Income Tax and National Insurance (NI) thresholds beyond 2028 and a cap on the amount under-65s can put into Cash ISAs.

UK announces billions more investment in AI

The UK government has announced that billions of additional private investments has been committed to help build the country's AI capabilities.

VAT reform could raise £80 billion a year, claims ICAEW

The Chancellor could raise billions by reforming UK's 'outdated and overly complex' VAT system, claims the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

Bank deposit protection limit to be increased to £120,000

UK bank customers will benefit from an increase to the maximum amount they would be reimbursed for if their bank were to fail from 1 December, the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) has confirmed.

AI tools giving risky consumer advice, warns Which?

AI tools including Chat GPT, Gemini and Meta AI are giving inaccurate, unclear and risky advice which could prove costly if followed, warns consumer champion Which?.

UK inflation rate falls for first time since March

The UK inflation rate fell to 3.6% in the year to October, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Christmas crafters urged to check tax rules

HMRC is urging those making money from Christmas crafts, seasonal market stalls, or selling festive items to check if they need to report their earnings.

Outdated rules could dim UK's creative spirit, warns FSB

Small firms in the creative industries are ready to drive growth ? but need a system that reflects the realities of modern work, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has warned.