Bobby Seagull MBE

💷 THE UK BUDGET 2026: 5 BIG TAKEAWAYS YOU NEED TO KNOW! What did the Chancellor actually announce today and what does it mean for YOUR money? I've picked out FIVE of the biggest announcements from today's Budget and broken them down into plain English. 🇬🇧 1️⃣ £100 towards energy bills ⚡ Around 20 million households in England in council tax bands A–D will receive a £100 energy payment from January 2027. The government is also extending the temporary VAT cut on electricity bills and plans to scrap gas standing charges, although the savings will vary between households. 2️⃣ Fuel duty freeze continues 🚗 The 5p-per-litre fuel duty cut is being extended for another six months, with the planned inflation-linked increase delayed until July 2027. This should help drivers manage petrol and diesel costs for a little longer. 3️⃣ The minimum wage is going up 💷 From April 2027, the National Living Wage for eligible workers aged 21 and over will rise by 3.9% to £13.21 an hour. A full-time worker on that rate could earn around £910 more a year before tax. 4️⃣ Good news for savers 🏦 The annual Cash ISA allowance will remain at £20,000 rather than being reduced to £12,000 for under 65s. The government is also planning a new ISA aimed at encouraging first-time investors. 5️⃣ Help for first-time buyers 🏡 A new First Time Buyer ISA is planned to help people save for a deposit. The withdrawal charge on Lifetime ISAs is also being reduced from 25% to 20%, which should reduce the penalty for eligible first-time buyers purchasing homes above the existing £450,000 price cap. 📌 The big picture: This Budget combines targeted help with changes to how the government raises money. Some households will benefit directly, while others may notice little immediate difference. 💬 Which announcement do you think will make the biggest difference to ordinary families? Let me know in the comments! #Budget2026 #Budget #PersonalFinance #CostOfLiving #Money