Follow our live updates as the Chancellor delivers the Autumn Budget 2026. HB&O’s specialists will share their initial reactions to the key announcements and outline the potential implications for businesses and individuals.
We’ll be diving deeper into the detail over the coming days to give you a clearer picture of what these changes and updates mean for you. In the meantime, our team is here to help with any questions you may have.
“As expected, the tax-free allowance for cash ISAs will not be cut to £12,000 and will remain at £20,000 annually for people of all ages and not just the over 65s. Now this has been retained at £20,000 it allows people to save a further £8,000 without being subject to tax.
This measure links in to changes that will come into effect in January that are designed to incentivise savings.”
Following Consultation period held during the summer, the Chancellor has confirmed that land can be sold to a registered social housing provider zero rate. This removed the previous requirement for a development to have reached the “golden brick” stage of construction before title in the land could be transferred at the zero rate. This is great news, for developers of social housing projects.
“This was announced very quickly and is certainly one where the devil will be in the detail.
Healey claimed that 88% of people will pay no more tax on their savings income. We will await confirmation on what the rates are and whether it is a two per cent rise for basic, higher and additional rate payers.”
Covering a year of living costs for young founders while they turn their ideas into businesses.
“The Chancellor has confirmed that he will strengthen the requirement for Online Market Places to collect VAT from its online sellers. This was a measure that impacted overseas sellers using the UK online market places, but this could not be extended to include UK based online sellers where their turnover exceeds £90,000 per annum.”
“This is a brand new relief and our experts will be looking into the detail when documents are published. Depending on who qualifies, this is a positive step and rewards ambitious founders.”
The Chancellor has announced that the cut to VAT on electricity bills – from 5% to zero – which had been expected to end in March 2027 will now be extended until July.
This will be especially relevant for charities and low users of electricity which may benefit from this extension.
“The Chancellor has confirmed no changes to the VAT registration threshold. This move will mean that people need to continue to monitor levels of income. Businesses can reach out to us if they’re concerned about being caught out by the threshold.”
“It’s good to see support for small businesses, especially with hospitality and leisure struggling so much at the moment. This will be a boost for those businesses, but rising costs elsewhere, such as the minimum wage increase, could cancel out much of the benefit.”
Increase announced in the threshold for small business rate relief for retail hospitality and leisure businesses from £12,000 to £18,000.
“There will likely be more information on the timeline for this in the detail and it could affect decisions about disposing of assets. On its own, it isn’t big enough to change people’s plans, but a change to the main rate would have had a bigger impact and could have stopped people selling.”
CGT Business Asset Disposal Relief lifetime limit is being reduced from £1m to £500,000. This will mean the relief is only worth a maximum of £30,000 given that the CGT rate on qualifying gains is 18% compared to a main rate of 24%.
“The Chancellor has announced that the current fuel duty freeze that was in place until December 2026 will now be extended to July next year. The rate of fuel duty remains at 5p per litre for the duration.
For hauliers, farmers and vehicle leasing businesses, which we count as clients, this announcement will provide some certainty and help them to plan for potential growth in future.”
“By reducing the main rate of writing allowance, this means that companies will receive less tax relief on capital investment. It could lead to higher tax bills, however we will need more clarity on the actual writing down allowance post-budget.”
“One of the measures that has already been confirmed ahead of the Chancellor’s address is a 3.9% increase in the minimum wage. Of course, this is hugely positive for so many people on low incomes across the country, but there are other factors to take into account. This rise could have a negative impact on small businesses in the hospitality industry that employ many workers in this category. It could also have a counterproductive effect in a similar way to how the last National Insurance rise impacted the sector.”
The BICS cuts electricity bills by up to 25% (saving up to £35–£40/MWh) for over 10,000 eligible manufacturing businesses across Great Britain, with support officially starting in April 2027.
“There has been a great deal of speculation around what may be included in John Healey’s first Budget as Chancellor.
We wait to see the detail, but it would appear, given the ‘breathing space’ title, this Budget will include a number of smaller measures designed to help families navigate the cost of living squeeze and some targeted support for businesses.
There will almost inevitably be announcements that impact the business community and many of our clients. Our team will be reviewing each and every announcement in depth to ensure we can provide clear guidance and practical advice as the implications become clearer.”
Chancellor John Healey is set to deliver his Budget on Wednesday 28th October at approximately 12:30pm. Follow along for live updates.
Want to find out more about us or enquire about working together? We’d love to hear from you. Head over to our enquiry page, fill in the form and we will be in touch!
