Explainer
Five things to watch as the autumn session opens
A caretaker government, an overdue budget and a housing fight. Here is your guide to the months ahead.
Political editor
4 min read
The chamber on the first day of the autumn session.
Parliament returns this week with no government, no budget and a long list of deadlines. Here is what to watch.
Our political editor picks the five moments most likely to shape the next year.
1. The coalition deadline
If no government is formed by 31 October, a new election becomes likely.
2. The emergency budget
Without a budget, spending continues at last year’s levels. Hospitals and schools are already warning about shortfalls.
3. The housing fund
The single most contested line in the negotiations. See our explainer on what it means for renters.
4. Energy prices
Winter tariffs are set in November. Any support scheme needs parliamentary approval.
5. The transparency bill
A cross-party bill on public records has quietly gathered support. It could be the one law that passes this autumn.
Daniel Szabo
Political editor
Daniel covers parliaments, coalitions and the policies that come out of them.
