Autumn Budget – November 2025
When Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her Autumn Budget for 2025, this ended months of speculation on what was or wasn’t going to happen. With tight fiscal rules and limited room for manoeuvre, it was always likely that economic pressures would play a big role in shaping her decisions.
In the weeks leading up to the Budget, speculation grew about possible tax rises and new measures. Businesses held back on plans, waiting to see what the Chancellor would announce. In an unusual twist, the Office for Budget Responsibility accidentally released its report before Reeves even began her speech, leaving little room for surprises on the day.
Against this backdrop, we’ve taken a close look at the Chancellor’s announcements and outlined the main changes, along with what they could mean for you.
Fiscal Drag: More Taxpayers in Higher Bands
One of the most notable features of this year’s budget is the continued freeze on personal tax thresholds for both income tax and National Insurance until April 2031. As wages rise, more people will gradually move into higher tax bands—a phenomenon known as ‘fiscal drag.’ According to the Office for Budget Responsibility, this measure is expected to raise £23 billion by 2030/31.
Salary Sacrifice for Pensions: New Cap Introduced
For those saving into pensions, a new cap on salary sacrifice will be introduced from April 2029. Only the first £2,000 of salary sacrificed for pension contributions will be exempt from National Insurance; any contributions above this will attract both employee and employer NI. This change is likely to affect employees earning above £40,000 and may result in reduced take-home pay and pension pots for many. Employers may need to review their benefit structures in response.
Tax Rises on Investment Income
Investment income will also be affected by tax rises. From April 2026, dividend tax rates will increase by 2%, with the ordinary rate rising to 10.75% and the upper rate to 35.75%. The additional rate remains unchanged at 39.35%. Savings and property income tax rates will also increase to 22% (basic), 42% (higher), and 47% (additional) from April 2027.
Mansion Tax: High-Value Property Surcharge
Property owners should be aware of the new ‘mansion tax.’ Starting in April 2028, properties valued over £2 million will face an annual surcharge beginning at £2,500 and rising to £7,500 for properties over £5 million. This measure is expected to affect around 165,000 properties, primarily in London and the southeast.
Inheritance Tax (IHT) and Estate Planning
Inheritance tax (IHT) rules have also been updated. The nil-rate bands will remain frozen until April 2031. From April 2026, any unused £1 million allowance for agricultural and business property relief can be transferred between spouses and civil partners. Additionally, unused pension funds will be included in IHT calculations from April 2027, with new administrative provisions for personal representatives.
State Pension
The state pension triple lock is retained, with the state pension set to increase by 4.8% in April 2026.
Removal of the Two-Child Benefit Cap
A notable change in this year’s Autumn Budget is the removal of the two-child cap that applies to the child element of Universal Credit. From 6 April 2026, families will no longer be restricted to claiming support for only two children under Universal Credit. This adjustment is expected to provide additional financial support to larger families and marks a significant shift in welfare policy.
The bigger picture
Beyond our shores, the geopolitical jigsaw is complicated. The contours of this new reality – and its costs – are forming but the picture is not yet totally clear. Labour’s ability to deliver a faster-growing and more productive economy will be challenged to a degree by factors beyond its control, including US tariffs, war on Europe’s eastern flank, unfavourable demographics and an expensive transition to net zero.
More imminently, after a bruising period for Rachel Reeves and Prime Minister Kier Starmer, they will hope their political careers outlive the OBR’s near-term forecasts. After a heavily over-briefed Budget ultimately preferring a grab-bag of smaller tax rises to large changes, they will both now hope for a period of relative calm.
If you have questions about any of these changes or would like more information, our advisers are here to help you understand what the Autumn Budget means for your financial planning.
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