Autumn Budget 2025: Gooding Accounts’ Predictions

With the Autumn Budget set for 26th November 2025, the Government faces a range of challenges, from inflation and rising public debt to economic uncertainty and the delicate task of balancing revenue with support for both working people and businesses.

Here’s what we think the Chancellor might include — and what you might want to think about now to protect your finances and make the most of any changes.

What’s Shaping the Budget

Several factors are likely to limit what the Chancellor can realistically deliver:

• The public mood is sensitive to big tax rises, especially headline rate increases (income tax, VAT, National Insurance Contributions).
• The Government has less flexibility than in more stable times, so changes are more likely to come through tweaks to existing reliefs, thresholds, or allowances.
• “Stealth taxation” (freezing thresholds, tightening reliefs) is likely to feature — it raises money without overt rate hikes.
• Reliefs or exemptions that appear generous may come under review, particularly in pensions, property, and inheritance.

Our Key Predictions

Here are the changes we consider most likely — along with some that are possible but less certain. We’ve also outlined what you might want to think about now to protect your finances and prepare.

Less Likely, But Still Worth Noting

• A full wealth tax remains unlikely, due to challenges around valuation and fairness.
• Major headline rate increases (e.g., income tax, VAT) are politically risky and improbable.
• Large-scale pension or benefit eligibility changes seem unlikely unless economic conditions worsen significantly.

What You Can Do Now

To be in the best position ahead of the Autumn Budget, we recommend:

• Review pension contributions and tax planning: If you’re contributing heavily, consider bringing forward contributions before any changes take effect.
• Check asset sale or disposal plans: If you’re planning to sell property or other gain-bearing assets, timing could be crucial.
• Revisit estate planning and gifting: Make sure trusts, gifts, and succession planning remain effective under potential reforms.
• Assess cash flow and salary structures: If inflation is likely to push you into a higher tax bracket, explore deferral or income smoothing options.
• Engage with your advisors early: Planning ahead gives you more flexibility before the Chancellor’s makes her announcements on November 26th.

Final Thoughts

We expect Autumn Budget 2025 to focus less on “big rate changes” and more on tightening, freezing, and reviewing reliefs. Stealth measures are the most probable route for raising revenue.

For business owners, property investors, and pension holders, none of these changes are certain — but many are likely. That makes now the right time to prepare, identify where you may be exposed, and act proactively.

At Gooding Accounts, we’re here to help you understand what these potential changes mean for you and your business and make informed choices, and take advantage of opportunities before the Budget takes effect.