UK finance minister presents first budget: higher bank tax and energy support
John Healey, the UK finance minister, presented his first budget to Parliament. The government estimates GDP growth of 1.2% in 2026, above the 1.1% forecast, slowing to 1.0% the following year. He announced he will double the surcharge on bank profits to 6% to fund a direct payment of 100 pounds to 20 million households for energy bills, a first-time buyer ISA replacing the lifetime ISA, changes to the pensions triple lock and the local retention of business rates.
In 45 seconds
- UK GDP will grow 1.2% in 2026 and slow to 1.0% the following year, according to the forecasts presented by Healey.
- The surcharge on bank profits will double to 6% to fund a 100-pound payment to 20 million households for energy.
- A first-time buyer ISA will replace the lifetime ISA and the penalty will be revised for those buying homes above the price cap.
IASummary generated by artificial intelligence from a story by Euronews.com. It may contain errors: the original source prevails.




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