Overview
- Reporting points to a council tax revaluation of bands F, G and H affecting about 2.4 million properties, with a separate surcharge on several hundred thousand high‑value homes expected to raise roughly £600 million.
- Homeowners hit by the property charge would be able to defer payment until sale or death under plans being developed, with interest on deferrals under consideration following IFS advice.
- Rather than raising rates, the Budget is expected to extend the freeze on income tax thresholds to 2029/30, a move forecast to raise around £8 billion a year and pull nearly 500,000 more London and South East earners into the 40% band by 2029.
- Reeves is expected to give regional mayors powers to levy overnight visitor charges on hotels and short‑term rentals, with the IFS estimating a £1 per‑night levy could raise about £420 million annually in England and hospitality groups warning of higher costs.
- An expansion of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy is being considered to include some milk‑based drinks and lower the sugar threshold from 5g to 4g per 100ml, with industry and media estimates suggesting £50–£100 million in revenue and changes mooted for April 2027.