One week until the Autumn Budget

With Chancellor John Healey’s first Autumn Budget now a week away, speculation is building. Headlines are filled with rumours about potential changes to Capital Gains Tax, pensions and Inheritance Tax, and it’s prompting a familiar question: should I be doing anything now?

Our advice is firm: financial decisions shouldn’t be driven by speculation. Instead, this period before the Budget is an ideal moment to pause and review your existing plans. Consider whether your income, outgoings, family circumstances or intended beneficiaries have changed since the last Budget. Reflect on whether your current arrangements still support your long-term goals. By grounding your planning in what is true today, rather than what might be announced next week, you put yourself in a stronger position to make thoughtful adjustments once the full details of the Budget are known.

Good financial planning isn’t about predicting what the Chancellor will announce or reacting first. It’s crucial to making informed decisions with a clear understanding of your options.

Changes already underway

It’s also important to understand that several significant changes are already legislated. From April 2027, most unused pension funds will be included within estates for Inheritance Tax purposes. Cash ISA allowances are set to change from the same date, and National Insurance advantages from pension salary sacrifice arrangements will be capped from April 2029. These developments will likely require some thought alongside what will come on Wednesday.

What we’re watching for

There are a handful of areas that continue to feature in media coverage, we will be monitoring these closely for clarity. Pension tax‑free cash has been the subject of ongoing discussion, particularly around whether the current 25% tax free lump sum could be reviewed. Inheritance Tax is another area receiving attention, with various commentators exploring the possibility of changes to reliefs or the broader framework. At this stage, each of these remain topics of speculation only, and no assumptions should be made until official announcements are delivered by the Chancellor.

So, what should you do now?

The most effective approach is to keep things simple. Take time to reassess your financial position, your priorities and your long-term plans. Wait for the facts, and once the announcements are made, and map out their impact. From there, you can plan proactively as part of your wider financial strategy.

Once the Chancellor has delivered the Budget, we will work closely with our clients to understand what the changes mean for them, their families and their financial future. If you’d like to discuss your planning, please get in touch.

Written by Alex Henry

Alex Henry, Partner, specialises in tailored wealth management and planning and helps clients to realise and deliver their current and future needs. Get in contact if you’d like to talk about your planning needs via or 07477 694255.