Politics

Rachel Reeves pre-Budget speech – What it means for Winchester

Published

2 weeks ago

7th November 2025

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has set the tone for her budget later this month, calling for a collective national effort in what she described as a time for “responsible choices”.

Her pre-budget speech has sparked debate about potential tax rises, the future of public services, and how her fiscal plans could affect families, businesses, and local communities – including here in Winchester.

‘Each of Us Must Do Our Bit’ – hints of tax increases

One of the most quoted lines from Reeves’ speech was her appeal that “each of us must do our bit”.

The phrase has fuelled speculation that the Chancellor may be preparing the public for tax rises in the upcoming budget on 26 November.

While Reeves did not confirm any specific increases, she also refused to rule out changes to income tax or national insurance, a stance that could signal a shift from Labour’s election promises.

“I will not make decisions lightly,” Reeves said. “But I will make them responsibly because doing nothing would cost us all more in the long run.”

There is speculation by many analysts that the line was a subtle attempt to prepare the ground for “shared sacrifice” messaging, implying that households and businesses alike may face higher tax burdens to stabilise the economy.

Protecting Families Amid Inflation and High Interest Rates

Reeves was keen to frame her speech around protection and stability, promising that all fiscal decisions would aim to shield families from rising prices and borrowing costs.

“The decisions I make on tax and spend will always be about protecting working families,” she said.

After years of economic turbulence, this message may offer some reassurance to households still grappling with the cost-of-living crisis.

However, critics argue that without clear details, it remains uncertain how far Labour can balance fiscal responsibility with its pledges to ease financial pressures on middle-income earners.

Local Impact: Winchester’s NHS investment to continue

For residents in Winchester, one of the most notable parts of Reeves’ speech was her commitment to continue protecting and investing in the NHS.

This means that plans to replace Winchester’s emergency department with a 24/7 urgent care treatment centre are expected to move forward, alongside the new acute specialist hospital in Basingstoke.

These projects form part of the government’s wider strategy to modernise healthcare infrastructure and reduce waiting times across the south of England – priorities that will likely be welcomed by local patients and NHS staff alike.

Backing business and innovation

Reeves also pledged that her budget would “support British businesses to create jobs and innovate”.

For Winchester’s many small and independent traders, this could mean new funding or incentives designed to boost local enterprise.

The city’s economy (built around hospitality, retail, and creative industries) could stand to benefit from policies that lower barriers to growth or increase access to investment.

Local business owners will be watching closely for details on tax reliefs or grants, which Reeves has promised will be outlined in full on budget day.

Balancing the books – and the politics

Reeves’ speech attempted to strike a careful balance between fiscal discipline and social investment.

Her refusal to rule out tax rises has drawn criticism from some quarters, while others have praised her for being honest about the economic challenges facing the country.

With just weeks until the budget, the question remains whether Reeves can deliver a plan that both reassures the markets and protects public services, without alienating voters who took Labour’s “no income tax rise” pledge to heart.

Looking ahead: what to expect on November 26

As the country waits for the budget announcement on 26 November, there is still uncertainty about who will bear the costs of Reeves’ fiscal plans – and who might benefit most.

For now, her message is one of shared responsibility and measured optimism.

Whether that message translates into practical relief for households and businesses in Winchester and beyond will become clear when the numbers are revealed later this month.

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Question Time brings controversy to Winchester

Published

7 years ago

22nd January 2019

Winol Reporter

Picture by Andrew Campbell, Creative commons

Controversy comes to Winchester this Thursday, in the form of the ‘Question Time’, after a leading politician claimed she suffered discrimination on the political BBC show.

There was a backlash after last week’s show, as the Labour Party lodged a formal complain with the BBC, with Diane Abbott claiming she had “never had such a horrible experience”.

The shadow home secretary felt mistreated after new host, Fiona Bruce, ‘wrongly’ corrected Abbott about polling figures, and suggested the mistreatment from both Bruce and the Question Time audience was motivated by racism.

The Labour Party has claimed Abbott was interrupted 21 times during the show, compared to nine times for Mr Stewart and eight for the SNP’s Kirsty Blackman.

Momentum, the far-left activist organisation, set up an online petition demanding Fiona Bruce make a public apology during this week’s episode.

The BBC has ‘firmly’ rejected the claims. In a statement made on Friday it said: “We’re sorry to hear Diane Abbott’s concerns and have contacted her team to reassure them social media reports are inaccurate and misleading. Diane Abbott is a regular and important contributor. We firmly reject claims any of the panel were treated unfairly before or during the recording.”

The programme is set to go ahead on Thursday 24th but the panel has yet to be announced.

Community

‘Controversial’ new plans take shape in Eastleigh

Published

8 years ago

22nd November 2017

Winol Reporter

Image credit: ADD Eastleigh

Residents in Eastleigh will soon know whether “controversial” plans to build over 5,000 new homes will go ahead.

The 5,205 houses are proposed to be built on greenbelt land between Eastleigh and Upham, angering environmentalists across the region.

In recent months Eastleigh Borough Council has received criticism over the plan, which has been deemed “disastrous” by campaign group Action Against Destructive Development Eastleigh (ADD).

To date, three councillors have resigned over the plans for varying reasons – the latest being Cllr Mark Balaam, who resigned earlier this month over concerns for the local environment.

Campaigners say that this is the wrong location to build, as it could potentially affect ancient woodland along with the River Itchen which is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The Forestry Comission has also raised concerns throughtout the planning process.

A spokesperson said: “We manage and maintain this cherished wood and are committed to safeguarding its natural beauty.

“We have a legal obligation to protect and enhance the site, and the wildlife that lives there.”

The council has assured environmentalists that it is committed to ensuring the protection of the environment, and the diversity of the wildlife.

In a statement the council said it would properly protect the River Itchen and guarantee the conservation of Ancient Woodlands in the area.

The MP for Eastleigh, Mims Davies, told Winol: “Eastleigh Borough Council must make the best decision on housing and planning for the future based on the evidence in front of them, listening to constituents and experts and being mindful of the local environment and Ancient Woodland which contains trees that are hundreds of years old, and in some cases are older than some listed churches and cathedrals.”

Concerns have also been raised about the lack of public transport included in the plan, with campaign groups criticising how people will be encouraged to drive instead of taking greener alternatives.

Chris Todd from Campaign for Better Transport, a group dedicated to improving transport across the UK, told Winol: “We are opposed to the building of a new road upon which to hang new development as apart from the damage to the countryside it will generate a vast amount of traffic which will undermine the local economy and damage the South Downs National Park, by pushing more traffic through it.”

But council leader Keith House defended the plans saying: “We are determined to get the right quality and mix of homes in the right places and ensure infrastructure comes alongside homes, not as an afterthought.

“Getting the right roads, schools and community facilities, and ensuring countryside gaps between our communities are maintained.”

The decision is due to be finalised on the 11^th of December, with the council saying that “getting it right is more important that doing it fast”.

It will then go to formal consultation at the start of next year, before being submitted to the Secretary of State in June. The final adoption is expected to commence in 2019.