Autumn Budget 2026
On 28 October 2026, Chancellor John Healey will deliver the Autumn Budget, setting out the Government’s plans for tax, spending and the public finances.
The Budget is likely to bring changes to how individuals and businesses are taxed, with several areas already attracting attention.
As details emerge, our specialists will cut through the speculation and explain what the changes could mean in practice. Areas to be aware of include:
Our experts are keeping an eye on Capital Gains Tax rates and the taxation of investment income and other wealth.
Changes to inheritance tax and existing reliefs could affect estate planning, gifting and business succession. Gifts out of excess income is one area where potential changes could have wide-ranging implications for existing estate planning strategies.
There has been intense speculation on changes to Council Tax, Stamp Duty Land Tax and other property-related schemes.
Measures affecting business taxation, investment, funding and reliefs could influence growth and future planning.
Avoid making significant decisions based on speculation alone. If you are already planning a transaction, consider reviewing your position.
What we know so far
Neal Lees, a Partner in our Private Client team, shares what individuals should be thinking about ahead of 28 October:
"For individuals and families, the key challenge is uncertainty. Proposed changes could affect long-term retirement planning, estate planning, gifting strategies and decisions around the ownership and transfer of assets. Those with investment portfolios, multiple properties, family businesses or larger estates may wish to review existing arrangements to understand where they could be exposed if changes are announced."

Rakesh Dabasia shares his Autumn Budget views with Spear’s

How Budget 2026 could affect your wealth: what the UK’s top advisers are saying
Hear from our experts
Many clients we are speaking to are asking whether they should make changes ahead of the Budget, particularly following speculation around pensions and inheritance tax. Our message remains consistent, they should avoid making rushed decisions based on headlines or policy rumours alone.
Rachel O'Donoghue, Partner and Team Leader, Financial Planning
The possibility of wealth taxes and exit taxes have also been mentioned in the press, however, given the potential economic consequences of such measures, it appears more likely that any move in this direction would begin with a consultation process rather than immediate legislative change.
Rakesh Dabasia, Partner, Private Client
Looking ahead to the Autumn Budget, households and businesses will be feeling the squeeze in an environment where borrowing costs stay elevated for longer than many had hoped. They will be watching closely for any potential tax rises and the implications of them. Nonetheless, it is advisable not to make rash decisions which are based purely on speculation.
Tom West, Senior Manager, Financial Planning
The Your First Home scheme should be welcome news for first time buyers, providing interest free government-backed loans. The details are to come, but the big question is around the funding of the scheme. Per the scheme announcement, developers will be expected to make a contribution when signing up to the scheme to help cover costs. For developers already impacted by rising interest rates, construction costs and regulatory burdens, a requirement for further contributions will be less welcome news.
Sarah Prothero, Director, Business Tax
Many clients we are speaking to are asking whether they should make changes ahead of the Budget, particularly following speculation around pensions and inheritance tax. Our message remains consistent, they should avoid making rushed decisions based on headlines or policy rumours alone.
Rachel O'Donoghue, Partner and Team Leader, Financial Planning
The possibility of wealth taxes and exit taxes have also been mentioned in the press, however, given the potential economic consequences of such measures, it appears more likely that any move in this direction would begin with a consultation process rather than immediate legislative change.
Rakesh Dabasia, Partner, Private Client
Looking ahead to the Autumn Budget, households and businesses will be feeling the squeeze in an environment where borrowing costs stay elevated for longer than many had hoped. They will be watching closely for any potential tax rises and the implications of them. Nonetheless, it is advisable not to make rash decisions which are based purely on speculation.
Tom West, Senior Manager, Financial Planning
The Your First Home scheme should be welcome news for first time buyers, providing interest free government-backed loans. The details are to come, but the big question is around the funding of the scheme. Per the scheme announcement, developers will be expected to make a contribution when signing up to the scheme to help cover costs. For developers already impacted by rising interest rates, construction costs and regulatory burdens, a requirement for further contributions will be less welcome news.
Sarah Prothero, Director, Business Tax
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Buzzacott’s M&A experts featured in Business Sale Report
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