The Guardian - World news
Healey to reject calls to raise capital gains tax in budget 20 October 2026 at 08:27

Healey to reject calls to raise capital gains tax in budget

By: Jessica Elgot Deputy political editor

20 October 2026 at 08:27

Cabinet colleagues have previously called for an increase but chancellor feels it might ultimately cost the Treasury

UK politics live – latest updates

John Healey will not raise capital gains tax in next week’s budget, despite previous calls to do so from cabinet colleagues including Louise Haigh and Wes Streeting.

The chancellor has decided that any increase might ultimately cost the Treasury if wealthy individuals defer the sale of assets or move them out of the country, according to Treasury sources.

The Guardian - World news
Surprise drop in UK unemployment to 4.7% as John Healey’s first budget looms 20 October 2026 at 09:39

Surprise drop in UK unemployment to 4.7% as John Healey’s first budget looms

The Guardian - World news

By: Phillip Inman Senior economics writer and Graeme Wearden

20 October 2026 at 09:39

Latest ONS data presents mixed picture amid slump in job vacancies and analysts warning labour market is ‘running on idle’

Unemployment in the UK has fallen unexpectedly in the final snapshot of the jobs market before John Healey’s first budget next week.

The jobless rate fell to 4.7% in the three months to August, from 4.9% according to the Office for National Statistics. City economists had forecast a rise to 5%.

The Times of Israel
A top economist sees Israel’s fiscal future on the ballot as costs of war, division mount 17 October 2026 at 10:32

A top economist sees Israel’s fiscal future on the ballot as costs of war, division mount

The Times of Israel

17 October 2026 at 10:32

Ahead of election, former central bank deputy governor Zvi Eckstein says outgoing government's decisions have impacted country's growth, with economy at risk unless changes are made

A top economist sees Israel’s fiscal future on the ballot as costs of war, division mount

The Guardian - Europe
Closer EU trade ties greater prize for UK than making separate deals, minister says 14 October 2026 at 14:58

Closer EU trade ties greater prize for UK than making separate deals, minister says

The Guardian - Europe

By: Kiran Stacey in Mumbai

14 October 2026 at 14:58

Exclusive: Douglas Alexander, on trade delegation to India, talks up economic benefits of joint trading arrangements with Europe

Britain will benefit from much closer trading relations with the EU even if that means giving up its ability to negotiate free trade agreements, the Scotland secretary has said.

Douglas Alexander helped negotiate deals with India and the US when he was a trade minister under Keir Starmer.

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