Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to deliver the highly anticipated Autumn Budget statement to the House of Commons today, outlining the government's economic strategy for the coming year.
Budget Day Timeline and Procedure
The Chancellor will address Parliament shortly after Prime Minister's Questions concludes at 12:30pm on November 26, 2025. During her statement, which typically lasts around one hour, Ms Reeves will update the nation on the state of the economy, public finances, and progress toward government economic objectives.
Notably, the Speaker's chair will be occupied by Nusrat Ghani, the Chairman of Ways and Means and most senior Deputy Speaker, during the Budget presentation. This is standard procedure for such financial statements.
Following the Chancellor's address, the House of Commons will immediately agree to a 'Provisional Collection of Taxes' motion, enabling certain tax changes - particularly those affecting alcohol and tobacco - to take effect from 6pm on Budget day. This motion is conventionally approved without a vote.
What Happens After the Statement
Once Ms Reeves concludes her speech around 1:30pm, HM Treasury will release comprehensive Budget documents containing detailed economic forecasts and proposed tax changes. The political response will begin immediately, with the Leader of the Opposition offering their reaction, followed by the Liberal Democrats leader as the third largest party.
A significant four-day debate on the Budget resolutions will commence, examining the tax measures announced today. This detailed scrutiny is scheduled to conclude on December 2, with Shadow Chancellor responding at the start of the second day of debate on Thursday, November 27.
From Statement to Law: The Legislative Process
While Budget Resolutions can take effect immediately after the final day of debate, they require the Finance Bill to pass for permanent legal standing. This crucial legislation, which implements the Chancellor's tax proposals, will begin its parliamentary journey once the Commons approves the resolutions.
The House of Lords will conduct a second reading debate on the Finance Bill but, following convention, will not amend it or consider it clause by clause. Meanwhile, the Treasury Committee will launch an inquiry into the government's plans, taking evidence from the Chancellor, the Office for Budget Responsibility, and other economic experts.
This comprehensive process ensures thorough parliamentary scrutiny of the government's spending plans and revenue-raising measures that will shape Britain's economic direction in the year ahead.
