On 7 September, UK Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey delivered a speech setting out his goals for the Budget, amid twitchiness in the bond markets. What did he hope to achieve, and what does it tell us about the Budget in October? We discuss the speech, the factors that are likely to shape the Budget, and what options the Chancellor has to encourage growth, balance tax and spend, and calm the markets.

ICAEW has responded to the government’s technical consultation on draft legislation for the Finance Bill (FB) 2026-27, and to its consultation on simplifying treaty relief from withholding tax on interest paid overseas, both published on 13 July 2026.

While keeping his cards close to the chest in terms of tax increases and spending decisions, the Chancellor has emphasised fiscal responsibility and measures to encourage investment ahead of the Budget in October.

The government has launched its wide‑ranging review of the UK’s corporate reporting framework, the outcome of which will reshape annual reports and impact companies of all sizes.

New technology means that criminals no longer rely on a real person’s identity to commit fraud. Now, they can create convincing new ones, using a mixture of real and fabricated details.

Pensioners who wish to opt out of receiving the winter fuel payment for winter 2026/27, or the equivalent payment in Scotland, must take action soon, explains ICAEW’s Tax Faculty.

Revenue & Customs Brief 9 (2026) explains HMRC’s position on the V-A-T treatment of supplies of education and closely related services by alternative providers of higher and further education.

ICAEW has raised concerns with the government’s proposals for recovering lower value tax debts from taxpayers who choose not to engage with HMRC, and has set out the safeguards it would like to see introduced if the policy is implemented.

The government has commissioned an independent review of the business rates valuation methodology for pubs and hotels in response to concerns about the outcome of the 2026 revaluation.

Companies House will be reaching out to unverified directors and persons of significant control to improve ID verification compliance.