The Autumn Budget delivered fewer headlines than expected. But, behind the scenes, several changes will have a meaningful impact on professionals, families and those approaching retirement. Much of the Budget works not through dramatic tax rises, but through fiscal drag: thresholds frozen for years while incomes, pensions and asset values rise with higher than target inflation doing the heavy lifting. For many, this means a steadily increasing tax burden unless proactive planning is in place.

Below are the 5 key points most relevant to you and your long-term financial plans.

1. More of your income will be taxed

Income tax thresholds and allowances are frozen until 2031, meaning wage growth, promotions and pension increases will push more people into higher tax bands over time.

Planning value: Making full use of even small reliefs for dividends, CGT and savings income. Maximise use of spouse allowances and pension contributions to control your tax bill.

2. Investment, savings and property income will be taxed more heavily

Dividend tax increases in 2026 and tax on savings and rental income rises in 2027.

Planning value: Structuring investments tax-efficiently using ISAs, pensions or investment bonds can significantly soften these increases.

3. ISAs and pensions are changing

From 2027, under-65s will face a £12,000 cap on Cash ISA subscriptions and from 2029, only the first £2,000 of salary sacrifice into pensions will escape National Insurance.

Planning value: The next four tax years offer valuable opportunities to maximise current allowances before restrictions tighten.

4. Inheritance Tax will affect more families

IHT thresholds remain frozen until 2031 and most unused pension funds will become taxable from 2027. With rising property values, especially in London, more estates will fall into the IHT net.

Planning value: Estate planning ie. gifting strategies, wills, trusts and insurance in trust, is becoming essential, not optional.

5. Landlords and property owners face rising costs

Property income tax rises from 2027 and a new High-Value Council Tax surcharge begins in 2028 for homes worth over £2m, rising for houses over £5m

Planning value: Reviewing rental portfolios, ownership structures and long-term property plans can help reduce exposure.

What this Budget really means

This year’s changes reinforce a simple truth: in a long period of frozen thresholds and rising rates, structured financial planning becomes more valuable than ever.

For many of our clients, the difference between “letting the system happen to you” and “planning ahead” will mean tens of thousands of pounds saved over the coming years, while keeping your long-term goals firmly on track.

If you’d like to explore how these measures affect your personal situation, we are here to help. Feel free to schedule some time in with myself or my colleague Adam Walkom via the link below or by clicking ‘Schedule a call’ in the top right.

Click here to book a call today.

Adrian Johnson