UK Budget November 2025 – a summary for GCC expats

Here we go again! This is a widely-anticipated Budget following weeks of media speculation.

I think we are all a bit fed up of the “leaks” and media briefings that are the hallmark of all Budgets in the past few years. It is also very unprofessional that The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) unexpectedly published its growth forecast ahead of the Chancellor’s statement. This contains market sensitive information so let’s hope there is an enquiry and action

The UK media frenzy and contact conjecture really helps no one.  A little more decorum all round might be nice.

Following every Budget or Statement, I write an article to give you a concise overview of some of the main points, with particular reference to any changes that have major relevance to those living outside of the UK, and especially in the GCC.

The UK press will cover many points in detail but much of it will not be directly relevant to expats, to people who are no longer tax resident in the UK, so my summaries focus on the points that will be most relevant to us.

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UK Budget October 2024 – a summary for UK expats in the GCC

This is the first UK Budget by a Labour government since 2010, and the first one from a woman Chancellor of the Exchequer in Rachel Reeves. Considering the role has existed for 800 years, this is a significant moment for representation in politics.

Will this Budget be a defining moment for the new Labour UK Government? This is was never going to be an easy Budget with giveaways and we all knew that.  It was claimed to be a budget for the average working person and it has largely met that brief, although some will not be pleased with certain announcements.

Following every Budget or Statement, I write an article to give you a concise overview of some of the main points, with particular reference to any changes that have major relevance to those living outside of the UK, and especially in the GCC.

The UK press will cover many points in detail but much of it will not be directly relevant to expats so this article focuses on the points that will be most relevant to us.

Continue reading