Business
UK economy grows 0.1% in August ahead of chancellor's Budget
October 15, 2026 at 06:57 AM · Updated 1d ago
Coverage
4 reports · 1 in Arabic, 3 in English · over 7 hours
يواليوم السابع
الـ AI ينقذ اقتصاد لندن من الانكماش.. والخزانة توجه رسالة لـ "جوهرة التاج"
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TGThe Guardian
John Healey vows to give ‘breathing space’ to consumers and businesses in first budget
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BNBBC News
Economy grew 0.1% in August ahead of chancellor's first Budget
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TGThe Guardian
UK economy unexpectedly grows 0.1% in August despite fall in consumer spending
(opens the publisher’s site)The UK economy grew 0.1% in August, beating forecasts, with chancellor John Healey en route to his Budget after the IMF backed his plans.
- ONS figures showed GDP rose 0.1% in August, defying forecasts of a 0.1% contraction.
- Liz McKeown said computer programming was the biggest contributor to growth over the three months, while production and construction shrank.
- IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva said the UK had "a bit of a better growth prospect" than other G7 nations.
- Healey promised to "stay the path" ahead of his 28 October Budget during a visit to Bangkok for the IMF meeting.
- Healey signaled that banks remain part of Britain's economic 'crown jewels,' suggesting he may avoid tax increases on the financial sector.
- Healey promised his first budget will give consumers and businesses 'breathing space' while sticking to Labour's fiscal rules.
- Healey hinted at a further energy support package ahead of an expected sharp rise in the January energy price cap.