Autumn Budget 2026: Getting Ready for What's Ahead

Chancellor John Healey will deliver his first Budget on Wednesday 28th October 2026, under Prime Minister Andy Burnham's government. Budget season can bring a flurry of headlines, so we wanted to make things a little easier by setting out what's already confirmed and what's still just speculation.

Already confirmed, ahead of Budget day

A few measures are already locked in rather than waiting for 28th October:

●      Dividend tax rates rose from 6th April 2026, the basic rate moved from 8.75% to 10.75%, and the higher rate from 33.75% to 35.75% (the dividend allowance stays at £500)

●      VAT has been temporarily removed from qualifying domestic electricity supplies in Great Britain, from 1st October 2026 to 31st March 2027

●      Business rates are being cut by 20% for eligible pubs, social clubs and live music venues in England, taking effect from April 2027

What's under speculation

There's ongoing commentary about potential changes to pensions, ISAs and Inheritance Tax, but it's important not to act on rumour. We've already covered one confirmed change taking effect from April 2027, most unused pension funds and pension death benefits being brought into the value of your estate for Inheritance Tax, and the Budget could bring further detail or additional announcements in this area.

What to do now

●      It's worth checking whether you've used this year's ISA and pension allowances, since ISA allowances not used by 5th April are lost. Unused pension annual allowance, however, can potentially be carried forward in certain circumstances.

●      Avoid making irreversible financial decisions based on speculation alone

●      Treat the run-up to the Budget as a prompt to review your plan, not a reason to act early on rumoured changes

This blog is for information purposes and does not constitute financial advice, which should be based on your individual circumstances. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and is subject to change. Investments can fall as well as rise in value, and you may get back less than you invest.