Before the speculation begins, let's look at what we already know. As attention turns to the forthcoming Budget, there will inevitably be rumours about further tax rises, spending decisions and possible changes to allowances. But much of what will affect households, investors and business owners over the next few years has already been announced, with several measures now in legislation. Here is what we know so far: 🔹 April 2026 – Dividend Tax: Rates increased by 2 percentag

John Healey's first Budget, the first of Andy Burnham's government, is best read as a fiscal-tightening event with a high chance of targeted changes rather than a simple rise in headline rates. Three points frame everything else. The room to manoeuvre has shrunk. Headroom against the fiscal rules was above £24bn in March. Since then gilt yields, higher borrowing and new commitments have eaten into it: ITEM Club puts it at just over £10bn, and the Resolution Foundation has sug

Rachel Reeves has confirmed that she will deliver the Spring Statement to the House of Commons on Tuesday, 3 March 2026 . The Spring Statement is primarily an opportunity for the government to set out an update on the state of the UK economy, informed by the latest economic and fiscal forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). Alongside this, the statement often serves as a platform for publishing consultations, including early-stage calls for evidence and di

With the 2025 Budget scheduled for Wednesday, 26 November, there are plenty of rumours about potential tax increases. With UK borrowing costs at their highest in 27 years, the Chancellor faces the challenge of boosting the economy while striving to "balance the books." This series of articles explores how the Chancellor might tackle this issue without breaking the Labour Party Election Manifesto pledge to avoid raising taxes on working people. We begin by focusing on area

The Government has decided not to take on recommendations made by the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) for inheritance tax. The OTS Has...

The most recent figures show that taxpayers saved £30 million in inheritance tax (IHT) through gifting last year with many taking...