Britain Cut Next Year’s Growth Call to 1%. Fuel Duty Stayed Frozen.

The Office for Budget Responsibility published its October forecast on October 28 with the Budget. BBC reported that the OBR cut next year’s growth forecast from 1.6 percent to 1 percent, while the main fuel duty was described as frozen rather than cut. The watchdog also raised this year’s growth forecast; the fetched BBC account did not give that revised number. It expects inflation to average 3.4 percent next year and peak at 3.8 percent in 2027, with the Middle East conflict a major uncertainty.

BBC put average petrol at almost £1.73 a litre and diesel near £1.99. The frozen main duty rate was 52.95 pence a litre until the summer. Chancellor John Healey announced a £100 energy payment, but the fetched pages do not say when it will arrive. On October 30, the OBR corrected one date: carbon price support ends in April 2028, not April 2027.

The Bank rate was reported at 3.75 percent. The OBR said it could reach 4.5 percent in coming years. That is a forecast, not a rate decision or a measured household bill.

Does the Budget outlook mean UK fuel duty fell on October 28? No. Duty was described as frozen at 52.95 pence a litre until the summer. The £100 payment is separate support, and the 1 percent figure is next year’s growth forecast.