Autumn Budget 2026: What Individuals, Landlords and Business Owners Need to Know
The Autumn Budget was announced on 28 October 2026, setting out changes affecting individuals, landlords, savers, employers and business owners.
For some, the changes present opportunities to review their finances and business plans. For others, they signal the need to prepare for changes to tax rates, reliefs and operating costs.
At HBA Solutions Ltd, we believe understanding your numbers is an important part of making informed financial decisions. Here is an overview of selected Budget announcements and what they mean for you.
1. Trading allowance to increase to £3,000
From 6 April 2027, the trading allowance is due to increase from £1,000 to £3,000.
The allowance covers qualifying small amounts of trading and miscellaneous income. It is relevant to people earning money from activities outside their main employment, including certain freelance and side-business activities.
The increase is intended to simplify tax reporting for people with smaller amounts of additional income.
However, the allowance does not mean every person earning up to £3,000 from any source is automatically exempt from tax or reporting requirements. The nature of the income and the rules applying to your circumstances matter.
If you earn income from a side business, freelance work or other activities, review how you record and report it.
2. Landlords and property income
The Budget announces a further two percentage point increase in Income Tax rates on property income from 6 April 2027.
Landlords should review their rental income, allowable expenses, financing costs and expected tax liabilities. It is worth assessing the overall return from a property rather than focusing on rental income alone.
If you own rental property, forward planning will help you understand the potential effect on your cash flow and personal finances.
3. Savings income and Cash ISAs
Savings income tax rates are also due to increase by two percentage points from 6 April 2027.
The annual Cash ISA limit is to remain at £20,000.
If you hold savings accounts or receive interest on your savings, consider how the announced changes fit into your wider financial plans. Your tax position will depend on your total income, applicable allowances and the type of savings you hold.
Do not make decisions based on the headline rates alone. Consider your individual circumstances and seek regulated financial advice where appropriate.
4. Business Asset Disposal Relief and Founders' Relief
Business owners considering selling or transferring their businesses should pay particular attention to the announcements on Capital Gains Tax reliefs.
The lifetime limit for qualifying gains under Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) is due to reduce from £1 million to £500,000 from 6 April 2027.
A new Founders' Relief is also being introduced, providing a 10% Capital Gains Tax rate on up to £10 million of qualifying lifetime gains for eligible founders and early investors.
Eligibility conditions apply. These reliefs are not available to every business owner or investor, and the structure and timing of a disposal matter.
If you are considering selling your business, bringing in investors or planning an eventual exit, seek appropriate tax advice before committing to a transaction.
5. National Minimum Wage increases
From 1 April 2027, the announced hourly rates are:
£13.21 for workers aged 21 and over.
£11.27 for workers aged 18 to 20.
£8.31 for workers aged 16 to 17 and eligible apprentices.
Employers should review their payroll arrangements and employment costs ahead of the changes.
For small businesses, even a relatively modest increase in hourly rates can affect budgets, margins and cash flow. If you employ staff, factor the revised rates into your financial forecasts and pricing decisions.
6. Business rates and capital allowances
The Budget includes changes affecting eligible retail, hospitality and leisure premises in England. The threshold for 100% business rates relief is due to increase to £18,000 from 1 April 2027.
Eligible businesses should check the conditions and assess how the changes affect their expected business rates bills.
There are also changes to capital allowances. The main writing-down allowance rate is due to reduce to 12% from April 2027, while the main first-year allowance is due to increase to 50% from January 2027.
For businesses planning equipment purchases or other qualifying investments, the timing and type of expenditure matter. Review the applicable rules before making investment decisions based on the headline rates.
What should you do now?
You do not need to make every financial decision immediately. Start by identifying which announcements apply to you.
Here are four practical steps:
Review your income sources, business costs and expected tax liabilities.
Update your budgets and cash flow forecasts where the changes affect you.
Check the relevant implementation dates and eligibility requirements.
Obtain professional advice before making significant tax, investment or business disposal decisions.
A Budget announcement does not always translate directly into an immediate change to your tax bill. Some measures take effect later, and some require legislation or further guidance.
How HBA Solutions Ltd Can Help
At HBA Solutions Ltd, we provide accounting, tax compliance and business support to help individuals and businesses understand their numbers and meet their obligations.
Our services include annual accounts, tax returns, bookkeeping, payroll, VAT and management reporting.
We focus on clear explanations and practical support, helping you understand what your financial information means and what actions deserve your attention.
If you would like help reviewing the financial implications of the Budget for your business, get in touch to discuss your requirements.
Visit www.hbasolutions.co.uk to find out more.
Important disclaimer
This article provides general information about selected announcements in the UK Budget delivered on 28 October 2026. It is intended for information purposes only and does not constitute tax, accounting, legal, investment or other professional advice.
The information is based on announcements available at the date of publication. Some measures remain subject to legislation, detailed guidance or implementation arrangements. Rules, rates, eligibility conditions and effective dates are subject to change.
The application and effect of any measure will depend on individual circumstances. You should not make financial or tax decisions solely on the basis of this article. Seek advice from a suitably qualified professional before acting on information relevant to your circumstances.
HBA Solutions Ltd accepts no responsibility for loss arising from reliance on this article without obtaining appropriate advice.
For the full details, consult the official Budget 2026 documents and HMRC's Budget 2026 tax-related documents.
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