UK inflation decreased to 2.8% in February, driven by lower clothing prices, as Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a revised economic growth forecast of 1% for 2025. The Office for Budget Responsibility expects housebuilding to reach a 40-year high, projecting 1.3 million new homes by 2029 due to planning reforms including mandatory targets for councils. A £600m investment aims to train 60,000 construction workers to address labor shortages. Despite the optimism, critics cite significant local opposition and concerns over rising costs, making the goal of 1.5 million new homes challenging. Real household income is expected to rise, yet welfare cuts remain controversial.