Martin Lewis reacts to 2026 Budget: 'Disappointment and delight'

• Chancellor John Healey has delivered his first autumn Budget, introducing £100 energy bill support for about 20 million households.
• Money expert Martin Lewis expressed disappointment as income tax and Plan 2 student loan thresholds remain frozen, maintaining fiscal drag on earnings.
• However, he said he was “delighted” by the reduction of the Lifetime ISA withdrawal penalty fee from 25 per cent to 20 per cent for first-time buyers.
• The Chancellor confirmed that a new ISA for first-time buyers will eventually replace the Lifetime ISA in the coming years.
• The Budget comes amidst worsening economic forecasts, with the Office for Budget Responsibility slashing GDP growth predictions and debt interest rising by £14 billion.

IN FULL

Martin Lewis delivers his Budget verdict with three key takeaways