Chancellor John Healey delivers his first Budget today, and energy bills and pay are already in the headlines. Elsewhere, residents of a London block are without heating and Oldham’s Reform group has a new leader.
Dollis Hill residents left without heating over old debts
In London, 126 homes at a block in Dollis Hill have been without heating or hot water after the gas was cut off over historic unpaid bills, even though residents say payments were made. For tenants, the case shows how a billing dispute higher up the chain can leave people without basic services as the weather turns colder.
Source: BBC London
Oldham Reform names its third leader in weeks
In Greater Manchester, Reform UK’s group on Oldham council has a new leader, councillor Paul Taylor, its third in a matter of weeks. He described the borough’s political atmosphere as “toxic” and “destructive” and promised change. Residents may want to see whether that promise leads to a more stable council.
Source: Manchester Evening News
Octopus Energy confirms a change for customers
Octopus Energy has confirmed a rule change for customers following an update from Andy Burnham, with 23 million homes said to be affected. Few details are available yet, so Octopus customers should look out for emails from the supplier and check their account.
Source: BirminghamLive
Minimum wage to rise, but less for younger workers
The minimum wage is set to rise, though workers aged 18 to 20 will not get the larger increase. The chancellor will confirm the new rates in today’s Budget, along with measures he says will help households with the cost of living. If you are in this age group or employ people who are, check the final figures once they are published.
Source: BBC News
Gas standing charges to be scrapped for 23 million homes
John Healey says he will ask Ofgem, the energy regulator for Great Britain, to remove standing charges on gas bills in 2027 or as soon as possible after that. The fixed daily fee costs a typical household £108 a year, and the chancellor says ending it would save two-thirds of households an average of £45 a year. Nothing changes yet, but it could reduce your gas bill from next year.
Source: The Guardian
What else to watch for in the Budget
The chancellor is reported to be considering measures covering everything from business rates to energy bills. Read today’s announcements alongside the confirmed changes above for a clearer picture of what your household budget will look like over the coming year.
Source: Evening Standard
UK Today is a curated digest: we summarise and link, the reporting belongs to the publications named. Something wrong or missing? Tell us.
Sources
- BBC London: Gas is cut over unpaid bills despite payments made, accessed 28 October 2026
- Manchester Evening News: Oldham Reform's third leader in weeks speaks out on fixing the town's 'toxic' politics – and fedoras, accessed 28 October 2026
- BirminghamLive: Octopus Energy confirms rule change for customers after Andy Burnham update, accessed 28 October 2026
- BBC News: Minimum wage set to rise but 18-20 year-olds will not get bigger increase, accessed 28 October 2026 (archived copy)
- The Guardian: John Healey to end standing charges on gas bills for 23m homes, accessed 28 October 2026
- Evening Standard: Budget 2026: What tax rises and spending pledges will Chancellor announce?, accessed 28 October 2026
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