Finland launches criminal probe of suspected environmental damage by Google

Healey backs away from cutting welfare cost despite warnings of public finance shortfall

<p>Experts round on chancellor over ‘scattergun’ budget, saying he ducked big tax and spending decisions</p><p>John Healey has backed away from cutting the cost of welfare this parliament, amid dire warnings his first budget could lead to brutal spending cuts because of a £28bn shortfall in public finances.</p><p>Experts rounded on Healey’s steady-as-she-goes budget on Thursday, with the Institute for Fiscal Studies saying he had <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/oct/29/john-healey-budget-brutal-spending-review-next-year-ifs">left himself a mountain to climb</a> by ducking big tax and spending decisions.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/oct/29/john-healey-budget-backs-away-from-cutting-welfare-public-finance-shortfall">Continue reading...</a>