Labour’s commitment to building 1.5 million homes faces uncertainty as Homes England leader Peter Denton suggests a longer timeline. Meanwhile, businesses express alarm over a £25 billion national insurance hike, foreseeing job losses and price increases. Councils may raise taxes by 5% next year, adding financial strain despite Labour’s previous criticism of similar moves by Conservatives. In a bid to attract investment, Chancellor Rachel Reeves proposes pension ‘megafunds’ reform, while police are scrutinized for stifling free speech following a controversial investigation into columnist Allison Pearson.