Research Briefing
Local government finances
Local authorities in England spent £105.7 billion in 2024/25. This briefing looks at the funding that local authorities receive from central government, and where and how they spend it.
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Economic updates,Research Briefing
Economic update: Beating the forecasts, for now
Inflation fell to 2.8% in April 2026, but experts expect it to increase to 3.5% by the end of the year.
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Research Briefing
Main Estimates: Government spending plans for 2026/27
This briefing summarises 2026/27’s Main Estimates, the way in which Parliament approves the Government’s spending plans for the year.
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Data dashboards,Research Briefing
Supplementary Estimates data: Government spending plans for 2025/26
Use our interactive dashboard to explore data on Supplementary Estimates (spending plans submitted to Parliament by government departments).
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Research Briefing
Grenfell Tower Memorial (Expenditure) Bill 2024-26
The Grenfell Tower Memorial (Expenditure) Bill 2024-26 had its First Reading in the House of Commons on 27 February 2026. The government proposes to use public money to build a memorial to the Grenfell Tower fire victims on the site of the tower.
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Research Briefing
Estimates Day debate: Spending of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
There will be a debate on 4 March 2026 to approve the spending of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for 2025/26.
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Research Briefing
Local Government Finance Settlement 2026/27 to 2028/29
This settlement increases funding to local authorities in England, and alters the funding distribution. It was approved by the Commons on 11 February 2026.
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Research Briefing
Revised Government spending plans for 2025/26
Votes to approve the Supplementary Estimates for 2025/26 will take place on 4 March 2026. These will cover the Government's revised spending plans for this year.
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Debate Pack
Funding for local authorities in inner London
There will be a Westminster Hall debate on funding for local authorities in inner London on 10 February 2026. The debate will be led by Helen Hayes MP.
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Research Briefing
UK aid for education
Global goals to increase access to education remain unachieved. UK bilateral aid for education fell from 2019 to 2023. Global and UK aid is expected to fall.
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Research Briefing
The UK’s “new Approach to Africa” 2025
The government has a seven-point framework for working with African states. These include climate, migration and investment. However, UK aid is falling.
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Research Briefing
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill
A bill intended to increase statutory limits on the amount of financial support the government can give to industry and exports.
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Research Briefing
Public spending by country and region
This briefing paper gives figures on public spending in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It also gives figures for the English regions.
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Research Briefing
Autumn Budget 2025: A summary
The Chancellor presented her 2025 Budget to the Commons on 26 November, and the Office for Budget Responsibility published updated forecasts for the economy and public finances for the next five years.
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Research Briefing
Autumn Budget 2025: Background briefing
Ahead of the 2025 Autumn Budget on 26 November, this briefing looks at the economic situation, economic forecasts and the public finances.
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