UK Chancellor John Healey has asked junior Treasury staff, including IT workers and apprentices, to send him ideas for the October budget. ^[1] The Met Office reported that summer 2026 was the hottest summer ever recorded in the UK, with data dating back to 1884. ^[2] Healey wrote to staff at Treasury campuses in London, Norwich, Leeds, and Darlington asking for suggestions regardless of grade or profession. ^[3] The Chancellor is particularly looking for ideas focused on spreading growth around the country and boosting local industries. ^[4] The Financial Times reported that Healey will likely use the budget to fill a gap of about £5bn in the defence investment plan. ^[5] Four days during the summer saw temperatures exceed 36 degrees Celsius, the first time this has occurred since measurements began in 1884. ^[6] The average temperature during the summer months was the highest ever recorded for both day and night. ^[7]