How to follow the Chancellor’s announcement live

The UK is preparing for one of the most significant political broadcasts of the year as Rachel Reeves sets out her Budget in the House of Commons. The BBC will provide full, uninterrupted coverage across its major news channels, ensuring viewers across the country can follow every stage of the announcement. With considerable anticipation around the government’s tax and spending plans, today’s broadcast is expected to draw high levels of public interest.

BBC coverage begins late morning, offering analysis, interviews and reaction in the build-up to the statement. Programming is due to start on BBC Two and the BBC News channel shortly after 11am, allowing time for expert commentary before proceedings begin in Parliament. Viewers will hear from political correspondents and economists who will outline the context behind the Budget and highlight the likely areas of focus based on confirmed government briefings.

The Budget statement itself is scheduled for early afternoon, following the usual Wednesday routine of Prime Minister’s Questions. Reeves is expected to begin delivering her plans around 12.30pm, though timings can shift slightly depending on parliamentary business. The BBC will cut live to the Commons chamber as soon as the Speaker invites the Chancellor to present the government’s financial programme.

BBC Parliament will broadcast the full session for viewers wanting uninterrupted coverage of the statement and subsequent debate. This channel typically offers the most comprehensive parliamentary feed, including the responses from opposition parties and further discussion from MPs. It remains one of the most reliable ways to follow national political events in real time.

In addition to television coverage, live updates will be available throughout the day on the BBC’s digital platforms. The broadcaster will provide rolling text commentary, key extracts from the Chancellor’s speech and expert breakdowns as the measures are announced. This service is often used by viewers who cannot watch the full broadcast but wish to keep track of developments as they occur.

The speech will be accompanied by the publication of key documents from the Office for Budget Responsibility. These forecasts, released as soon as the Chancellor sits down, will offer new insight into the state of the economy, including expectations for growth, borrowing and inflation. BBC analysts will examine these figures throughout the afternoon to assess the impact of the measures on households and businesses.

For many viewers, the most important question is how the Budget will affect daily life. BBC coverage is set to focus on practical implications for wages, taxes and public services, reflecting widespread interest in issues such as living costs and regional investment. Experts will also discuss long-term plans around infrastructure, health and education, which play a central role in shaping national priorities.

The Budget comes at a time of heightened attention on the government’s fiscal strategy. Reeves is expected to address concerns around public finances, with measures likely to include adjustments to taxation and revised spending commitments. The BBC’s political team will provide reaction from Westminster and beyond, helping audiences understand the decisions that underpin the new fiscal approach.

Following the statement, further analysis programmes will run into the afternoon. These segments will feature interviews with MPs, independent economists and representatives from major organisations who will assess the choices laid out in the Budget. Viewers can expect a detailed breakdown of the policies shaping the year ahead.

For those who miss the live broadcast, BBC platforms typically offer replays and extended clips later in the day. This allows audiences to revisit key moments or catch up on the main announcements at a convenient time. With the Budget expected to influence the economic direction of the country, many households will be seeking clarity on the government’s plans.

As the nation waits for Reeves’s address, today’s broadcast represents an important opportunity for the public to gain insight into how the government intends to manage the economy. The BBC’s coverage aims to provide viewers with the analysis, context and detail needed to understand the decisions that will affect the country in the months and years to come.