Office for Budget Responsibility

John Healey Welfare Bill Row: What the Chancellor Actually Promised Before the Next Election

Chancellor John Healey told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that “there will be a reduction in the benefits bill” before the next general election, setting off a row on Thursday 29 October 2026 over whether he had promised a cut. The interview was broadcast on Thursday morning, after Healey delivered his first Budget on Wednesday 28 October 2026. Within hours,…