The Budget of 28 October 2026 includes a £2.6 billion Household Energy Payment of £100 for households in council tax bands A to D in England and extends the 0% VAT rate on household electricity to July 2027, the Budget 2026 document on GOV.UK shows, and BBC News reports both.
The market resolves on the Budget document and policy costings published on gov.uk on 28 October 2026, with the Chancellor's statement in Hansard. YES only if a measure reduces household energy bills or pays households towards them; efficiency spending, welfare uprating and the Household Support Fund do not count. If that source has not published in time, BBC News and the Financial Times settle it.
We looked at every UK Budget, and every Spring or Autumn Statement, since the cap began in 2019 that came within three months after Ofgem announced a rise. We found eight. For each we asked one question: did it bring a new step that cuts household energy bills or helps pay them? Spending on energy efficiency, higher benefits and the Household Support Fund do not count, and nor does help announced outside these statements.