The UK's forecasted budget is expected to cut inflation by up to half a percentage point, according to the Bank of England. The central bank has given its early analysis of Chancellor Rachel Reeves' ยฃ26bn package, which includes measures such as removing green subsidies from household energy bills and freezing rail fares.
These moves are believed to have reduced the annual inflation rate by 0.4 to 0.5 percentage points for a year, starting mid-2026. The bulk of this reduction is attributed to the removal of energy bills levies and the freeze on fuel duty for motorists.
The Bank's deputy governor, Clare Lombardelli, stated that while her assessment shows the budget will have a short-term impact on inflation, other government policies could potentially push up rates in the future. This includes increased employment costs due to a rising living wage and strengthened workers' rights, which could force businesses to raise prices.
Lombardelli acknowledged that there would be differing views among policymakers regarding where the balance lies, but suggested that a short-term headline rate cut could help curb future inflationary pressures by influencing business and consumer decisions on wages and pricing. The central bank is also expected to cut interest rates at its upcoming policy meeting, with financial markets anticipating a reduction in borrowing costs to 3.75%.
These moves are believed to have reduced the annual inflation rate by 0.4 to 0.5 percentage points for a year, starting mid-2026. The bulk of this reduction is attributed to the removal of energy bills levies and the freeze on fuel duty for motorists.
The Bank's deputy governor, Clare Lombardelli, stated that while her assessment shows the budget will have a short-term impact on inflation, other government policies could potentially push up rates in the future. This includes increased employment costs due to a rising living wage and strengthened workers' rights, which could force businesses to raise prices.
Lombardelli acknowledged that there would be differing views among policymakers regarding where the balance lies, but suggested that a short-term headline rate cut could help curb future inflationary pressures by influencing business and consumer decisions on wages and pricing. The central bank is also expected to cut interest rates at its upcoming policy meeting, with financial markets anticipating a reduction in borrowing costs to 3.75%.