By Islam El-Sakka
British newspapers on Thursday focused their front pages on Chancellor John Healey's autumn Budget, highlighting a £100 energy payment for millions of households and tax increases targeting banks, savers and landlords.
Energy payment and 'trick or treat' framing
The Metro led with the £100 winter energy bill support for council tax bands A to D, questioning whether the pre-Halloween announcement is a "trick or treat" that will be eroded by rising prices.
Mirror emphasizes 'for the many not the few'
The Daily Mirror featured the red Budget box with the headline "for the many not the few," reporting a tax increase on banks to fund "breathing space" measures for struggling families.
Times describes 'deliberately modest' Budget
The Times said Healey launched a tax raid on landlords, savers and banks to fund handouts for 20 million households, describing the Budget as "deliberately modest" with big decisions on welfare and defence deferred until next autumn.
Conservative leader criticises lack of boldness
The Daily Express focused on Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch's criticism, quoting her saying the plans were "not bold enough" and the government was "overspent, overborrowed, overtaxed and drowning in an out-of-control welfare system."
Financial Times notes modest package and criticism
The Financial Times called the Budget "modest," noting raised taxes on banks, savers and property owners to fund a cost-of-living package, while critics warned it lacks tough decisions.
Daily Star highlights verbal slip
The Daily Star highlighted Healey's verbal slip when he mispronounced Aldershot, labeling the Budget "dull."
Telegraph reports £4.3bn tax raid and Poundland troubles
The Daily Telegraph reported a "£4.3bn tax raid on savers and landlords" and separately noted that high street retailer Poundland is on the brink of insolvency.
Sun playfully lists achievements and accusations
The Sun playfully listed Budget achievements including "shrinking" the welfare bill and helping with the cost of "gherkins," while reporting accusations that Healey ducked tough decisions.
Daily Mail analysis calls Budget 'cotton wool'
The Daily Mail's Quentin Letts wrote that the Budget "had all the dramatic bite of cotton wool" despite being billed as the greatest moment of Healey's life.
i Paper details energy payment and election ruling
The i Paper reported the £100 energy payment details and said the prime minister ruled out a snap election, insisting the economy will improve.
Independent leads with Spain train disaster
The Independent led with Spain's deadly train collision but also said Healey's Budget offers "scant relief from 'grim picture'."
Guardian cites global economic storms
The Guardian noted Healey warned that "global economic storms," including the war in Iran, underpin the cost-of-living crisis.
