HEALEY DECLINES TO RULE OUT TAX RISES BEFORE OCTOBER BUDGET

John Healey has refused to rule out further tax increases when he delivers his Budget on 28 October. The Chancellor stated that answering questions about taxation now would "only fuel more speculation" and that such matters should be addressed at the Budget itself. He did confirm the Government would maintain its 2024 manifesto pledge not to raise VAT, national insurance, or income tax. Healey said he would "set out plans and the future route for the Government" at the Budget announcement.

The refusal to commit against additional tax rises comes as the Government faces pressure over public spending levels. One report characterised warnings about Labour's spending as concerns that it could "bankrupt Britain", though no specific figures or source for these warnings were provided in available accounts. Healey's position mirrors that of other senior Labour figures who have similarly declined to rule out tax increases. His comments follow Rachel Reeves's first Budget as Chancellor, which introduced tax rises affecting employer national insurance contributions and other measures.

The Budget on 28 October will be significant for Government fiscal policy and public understanding of Labour's approach to taxation and spending. Healey's refusal to give advance commitments leaves the Chancellor room to introduce further tax rises if deemed necessary. His statement suggests the Government believes Budget announcements should occur without prior commitments that might constrain policy options. The specific tax measures to be introduced will become clear only when the Budget is formally delivered.