The chancellor outlined ‘the biggest wave of devolution in a generation’ – but large swathes of the country are excluded Budget 2026: key points at a glance In just two years, there could be dozens of mayors preparing to spend billions of pounds as part of Andy Burnham’s mission to devolve greater powers across England. Fresh devolution deals could also be in place following negotiations with leaders in Scotland, Wales and possibly Northern Ireland, allowing the prime minister to say at the next election that he has fulfilled a promise to rewire Britain’s political landscape with a view to giving more local control. Continue reading...
Will the budget deliver ‘growth in every postcode’?

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Angry Labour MPs urge leadership not to overrule energy secretary on Rosebank
Exclusive: Backbenchers voice alarm over ‘intolerable position’ faced by Miatta Fahnbulleh over oilfield decision Furious Labour MPs have been lobbying the prime minister and chancellor not to overrule the energy secretary should she decide to block the Rosebank oilfield. MPs say they are alarmed at the cabinet splits that have emerged over the issue after sources told the Guardian that Miatta Fahnbulleh was minded to refuse environmental permission for the field. Continue reading...

‘The more you earn, the less you keep’: readers react to the budget
From a young chef and a single father to business owners and a pensioner, Guardian readers reveal how John Healey’s measures will affect them What the budget means for you Louie, 24, a chef living in London, says a lot of people have “written off the idea of even considering getting a property” in their 20s. Continue reading...