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UK Treasury Sets 2025 Budget Aiming to Cut Deficit to 2.5% of GDP by 2028

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  Published in House and Home on Friday, November 28th 2025 at 6:09 GMT by London Evening Standard

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UK Government Budget 2025: A Comprehensive Overview of the Latest Fiscal Blueprint

The UK Treasury has unveiled its most recent budget, outlining a suite of measures that aim to tighten public finances while delivering targeted support to households and businesses. The announcement, which came amid a climate of economic uncertainty and a sluggish labour market, has prompted a mix of praise and criticism from policymakers, economists, and the public. This article distills the key elements of the budget, the strategic role of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and the broader implications for England and the United Kingdom as a whole.

1. Fiscal Objectives and the Deficit Narrative

At the heart of the budget is a pledge to bring the public‑sector deficit down to 2.5 % of GDP by 2028‑29, a sharp contraction from the 3.9 % forecast for the current year. The Treasury’s projections show a projected deficit of 3.3 % in 2025‑26, a 0.6 percentage‑point reduction from the 2024‑25 level. The budget’s strategy is underpinned by three pillars:

1. Revenue Generation – New and modified taxes aimed at widening the tax base.
2. Spending Management – A disciplined approach to public‑sector spending, with an emphasis on value for money.
3. Debt Management – A robust plan to reduce the national debt relative to GDP over the medium term.

The Treasury has highlighted that the budget will achieve a “steady, measured path” to fiscal sustainability, echoing the “steady state” approach that has guided UK fiscal policy in the past decade.

2. Tax Reform: New Measures to Raise Revenue

The budget introduces several reforms designed to increase revenue without disproportionately burdening low‑ and middle‑income households. The most salient are:

a. The ‘Green Tax’ Extension

HMRC is set to expand the existing “green tax” on high‑carbon fuel usage. The tax will be raised by 5 p per litre of gasoline and diesel from July 2025. The additional revenue is earmarked for investment in public transport and clean‑energy projects across England.

b. Corporate Tax Rebalancing

Corporation tax will rise from 19 % to 20.5 % for companies with turnover above £50 m. The new rate will replace the existing dual‑rate structure, providing a single, clearer tax regime for larger businesses.

c. Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Adjustment

Capital gains tax for high‑income earners will increase from 20 % to 25 % for assets acquired after 2024. The change is part of a broader plan to tackle wealth inequality and increase revenue from the growing wealth of the affluent.

d. Digital Services Tax (DST) Expansion

The DST, which applies to foreign digital companies, will be extended to include all digital platforms generating over £2.5 m in annual revenue in the UK. This move is expected to generate an additional £500 m in revenue per annum.

3. HMRC’s Role and Modernisation Initiatives

HMRC has been tasked with a critical role in implementing the budget’s revenue measures. The Treasury has outlined a series of modernisation initiatives aimed at enhancing HMRC’s efficiency and taxpayer service:

a. Digital Filing and Compliance

HMRC will roll out a new digital filing platform that will allow businesses and individuals to file tax returns and make payments through a single, secure portal. The new platform is expected to reduce processing times by 30 % and cut administrative costs by 10 %.

b. Data Analytics and AI

The agency will invest in advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence to detect fraud and non‑compliance. This will involve cross‑checking income data against bank transaction records and using machine learning algorithms to flag anomalous patterns.

c. Public‑Facing Engagement

HMRC will launch a new “Help Hub” that provides real‑time guidance on tax obligations and filing deadlines. The Hub will include chat‑bot support, interactive calculators, and a library of FAQs.

d. Training and Workforce Development

To support these changes, HMRC will invest £200 m in training programmes for its staff, focusing on digital skills, data literacy, and customer service.

4. Spending Measures: Targeted Support and Public Investment

While the budget places a strong emphasis on revenue generation, it also contains a number of spending measures aimed at bolstering the economy:

a. Universal Credit Adjustments

Universal Credit will see a modest increase of 5 p per week for all claimants, a move designed to keep pace with inflation and the cost of living.

b. Education and Skills

The budget allocates an extra £4 billion for teacher training and vocational programmes across England. This is intended to improve employability prospects and reduce skills gaps.

c. Health Sector

The NHS will receive a new injection of £2 billion to expand primary care services, with a particular focus on rural areas. The Treasury expects this investment to reduce waiting times for elective procedures.

d. Housing

There will be a £1 billion boost to the Home Ownership and Affordable Housing Fund, aimed at subsidising mortgages for first‑time buyers and helping to address the chronic shortage of affordable homes.

5. Regional Impact and England‑Specific Provisions

While the budget applies to the entire UK, several measures are tailored specifically for England:

• Regional Tax Credits – Businesses operating in the North of England will receive a 2 % tax credit on capital investment until 2028.
• Local Authority Funding – Local councils in England will receive an additional £5 billion to support infrastructure and community projects.

These provisions are intended to address regional disparities and encourage balanced economic growth across the country.

6. Reactions and Criticisms

The budget has sparked a range of reactions:

• Economic Analysts praise the Treasury for taking a balanced approach, but warn that the 20 % rise in corporation tax may dampen investment in certain sectors.
• Labour Party Leaders argue that the measures do not go far enough to protect low‑income households and call for more robust social spending.
• Industry Groups have expressed concerns over the increased digital services tax, citing the risk of pushing foreign companies to relocate to more tax‑friendly jurisdictions.

HMRC officials have acknowledged the challenges associated with implementing new digital systems but remain optimistic about the long‑term benefits of increased efficiency and compliance.

7. Looking Ahead

The Treasury’s strategy hinges on a sustained reduction in the deficit, which will require careful monitoring of both revenue and expenditure. HMRC’s digital transformation is a key pillar of this plan, and its success will largely determine whether the projected revenue gains are realized. The government will likely need to remain flexible, making adjustments to tax rates or spending cuts in response to economic fluctuations, inflationary pressures, and the evolving needs of the public.

In sum, the 2025 budget is a comprehensive attempt to reconcile fiscal responsibility with targeted support for households and businesses. By expanding the tax base, tightening spending, and modernising HMRC, the government aims to set the UK on a trajectory toward a more sustainable and equitable fiscal future.