Rachel Reeves’ 2025 Budget delivers £26bn in tax rises, freezes income tax thresholds until 2031, and introduces levies like the mansion tax and EV mileage charge. While billed as “fair,” it squeezes households, adds complexity for councils, and delays SEND relief. Local government faces rising demand, fragile funding, and political risk. Explore what this means for officers and members and the sector-led actions needed now.