01-10-2026 12:00 via ft.com

We have forgotten what budgets are for

The biggest problem with public finances is when they cease to be tools for governance
Read more »

Finance news



Ex-HSBC banker banned for dodging £5,900 in train fares
BT seeks government nod for potential TalkTalk takeover
Train driver accelerated through red signal before fatal crash
Driver received warning before fatal Bedfordshire rail crash, report finds
UK house prices fall as higher mortgage rates ‘subdue’ market
Burnham clears path to EU summit with post-Brexit breakthrough
All 3 taxes that could rise in John Healey's Budget after Burnham's bombshell
To fix housing affordability, build more homes
People with £6,626 in savings accounts issued new warning
Warning issued as pensioners race to withdraw savings - this could backfire!
State pension 'double lock' plans explained - how it could affect you
Older state pensioners can get extra £739.60 payment before October
State pensioners under 77 can get extra £965.20 payment before October
Halifax customers face major change to online banking from October 31
Desktop versie