The Autumn Budget 2026 set out the Government’s latest tax and spending measures, with implications for businesses and individuals across the UK. Watch our 90-second overview for a quick summary of the key Autumn Budget announcements and their impact on private clients.

Today, John Healey put cost of living measures at the heart of his budget, aimed at giving households and businesses relief, particularly from rising energy costs.

One of the most important takeaways for business owners is the change to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) rates. Healey's new "Founders' Relief", will introduce a tax rate of 10% on qualifying share disposals on up to £10 million of lifetime gains, for disposals made on or after 6 April 2027.

For founders, the relief could be worth up to £1.4m, by virtue of the 10% tax rate, rather than the top rate of CGT of 24%. However, the qualifying conditions for the relief are considerably tighter than Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR), which has now itself been cut to a maximum of £500,000 of gains, giving tax relief of £30,000 at most.

In addition, HMRC is making changes to the timing of Self-Assessment Income Tax payments, with more regular payments from 2029. The exact frequency is yet to be determined. There will also be a 2% increase to the rates of income tax on rental profits and savings income from 6 April 2027, bringing the top rate of tax to 49% on income of this nature.

Existing business owners should review their position under the incoming Founders' Relief to assess whether they expect to qualify. Additionally, those who are considering new ventures should also consider these changes, to ensure initial structuring is appropriate. We'd strongly recommend taking professional advice.

Neal Lees, Private Client Partner

How we can help

Our team of experts are working through the detail of Healey's announcements, and we will provide further insight as we have it. If any of these announcements impact you or your clients, please fill in the form below and one of our experts will be in touch.