The UK Autumn Budget is scheduled for Wednesday 26 November 2025, with widespread expectations of tax rises to fund higher public spending and address the fiscal shortfall highlighted by forecasters. Several reputable sources reported this timing and the likely direction of policy as of late October–early November 2025.
Key points to know
- Timing: The Budget speech is set for 26 November 2025, delivered by the Chancellor. This is the core date around which tax and spending measures will be announced.
- Scope: Expect measures to raise tax income and/or restrain spending to plug a significant fiscal gap, potentially in the region of tens of billions of pounds, to satisfy medium-term fiscal rules and address debt interest pressures. Analysts have flagged potential tax rises across various areas rather than large, abrupt spending cuts.
- Projections: Forecasters have indicated productivity forecasts and other macro assumptions may be revised downward, which could widen the fiscal hole and influence the scale of the Budget measures. This context underpins expectations of a credible path to balance the budget in the medium term.
- Likely measures: The consensus among financial commentators points to targeted tax increases (possibly including income tax in the higher brackets, national insurance considerations, or indirect taxes) coupled with some expenditure controls or efficiency measures, aimed at preserving growth while meeting fiscal rules. Exact details will only be clear once the Budget is announced.
If you’d like, I can monitor the official Budget documents and major outlets as the date approaches and summarize the final package with a clear outline of changes affecting you (rates, thresholds, and where the impact is likely to fall).
