Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to deliver a highly anticipated Budget statement to the House of Commons, promising to put more money into the pockets of the UK's lowest-paid workers. The announcement, scheduled for around 12:30pm on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, is being watched by millions across the nation.
Reeves has committed to a plan that addresses the £20 billion black hole in public finances, a legacy she attributes to fourteen years of Conservative governance. Despite widespread speculation about potential tax increases, the Chancellor has emphasised that her focus will be on providing relief to families who have struggled with the cost of living for years.
Wage Increases for Millions
In a significant pre-Budget announcement, the Chancellor revealed a major pay boost for workers. An estimated 2.7 million people are set to get a pay rise through increases to both the National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage.
The National Minimum Wage will see an 8.5% increase to £10.85 per hour. For those aged 21 and over, the National Living Wage will jump by 4.1% to £12.71 per hour. This move is designed to offer substantial financial support to workers across all age groups.
Furthermore, the lowest-paid apprentices and workers aged 16 and 17 will also benefit, with their hourly rates rising by 6% to £8 per hour.
Government's Focus on 'Fair Choices'
Prime Minister Keir Starmer set the tone for the day, stating that the Budget is fundamentally about 'taking fair choices'. In a message on social media platform X, he outlined the government's priorities, which are centred on the public's main concerns.
The three key pillars of the Budget are cutting the cost of living, reducing NHS waiting times, and tackling the national debt. Starmer asserted that this Labour government aims to build strong economic foundations and secure the country's future through these measures.
As the nation awaits the full details from the despatch box, the core promise remains: a Budget that seeks to ease financial pressures while stabilising the UK's public finances after a challenging period.
