Chancellor’s first full Budget is set for 12.30pm on Wednesday, with big decisions expected on pensions, tax thresholds and green infrastructure across the UK.
Published 24 November 2025
Budget Summary
- Date: Wednesday, 26 November 2025
- Time: Around 12:30pm (after PMQs)
- Location: House of Commons, Westminster
- Chancellor: Rachel Reeves
- Key Themes: Pensions, salaries, dividend tax, tariffs, EV funding
What Time Is the Budget?
Rachel Reeves will begin her Budget speech shortly after 12.30pm on Wednesday, following Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons. The speech is expected to last about an hour and will be followed by the release of official Budget documents and economic forecasts.
Key Areas to Watch
Based on government briefings and trending interest from UK audiences, the following topics are likely to feature:
- Pensions — reforms to tax-free allowances and salary sacrifice rules
- Tax thresholds — continued freezes pushing more earners into higher bands
- Dividends — anticipated rise in dividend tax rates and reduced allowances
- Tariffs — ending low-value import exemptions, affecting online shoppers
- Electric Vehicles — major funding boost for EV charging points and grants
Impact Across the UK
With Budget measures affecting all UK nations, the Chancellor’s plans will carry implications for devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Any changes to departmental spending will trigger adjustments via the Barnett formula, influencing public services and infrastructure projects nationwide.
Read more from The Guardian’s Budget coverage.
What Happens Next
Following the speech, the Treasury will release the full Budget report (‘Red Book’), alongside forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). Political responses, expert commentary and public reaction will unfold throughout the day and into Thursday.