Energy secretary pushes Chancellor John Healey for more household bill relief ahead of October 28 Budget

From the Newshound archive · first published 11 October 2026.

The energy secretary is pressing Chancellor John Healey to deliver greater support for households facing rising energy bills in the forthcoming Budget, due on October 28. The intervention puts internal Labour pressure on Healey ahead of what will be his first Budget statement. Shadow Chancellor Andrew Griffith has simultaneously set five tests Healey must meet, warning Labour's previous two budgets pushed taxes to record levels.

Griffith is demanding Healey commit to no new taxes, cut the deficit, slash welfare, raise defence spending and boost youth employment.

Griffith warned Healey must deliver a 'get a grip' Budget rather than 'kick the can down the road' on the nation's 'dire' finances.