How often is a Spending Review carried out?

The UK Spending Review is typically carried out every couple of years and looks at how the government is planning to spend its money over a 2-3 year period.

Three areas of spending that could impact you:

1. Housing

£39 billion will be invested in affordable and social housing over the next 10 years to increase housing availability for low-income households.

The goal is to help meet the target of building 1.5 million new homes by 2030.

2. Potential benefit for Parents

Free School Meals will be expanded from September 2026:

All primary school children in London and Wales can currently access free meals. All children in the first five years of primary school are eligible in Scotland.

Any child in England whose parents receive universal credit will be able to claim free school meals from September 2026.

3. Local Improvements and Council Tax

Funding will be provided for community renewal projects, such as parks, libraries, youth centres, and swimming pools in 350 areas.

However, council tax is expected to rise to help fund improved local authority services, including social care and basic services like waste collection.

There will also be additional support for the NHS and Schools.