Mark your calendars: the Autumn Budget 2025 is scheduled for 26 November 2025 and is widely expected to be a consequential one for business and tax.

With borrowing in August spiking to £18 billion, significantly above forecasts, and business failures and insolvency levels rising, the fiscal backdrop is challenging. To meet its self-imposed political and fiscal rules, the government may need to raise revenue or cut spending, or both.

Key Measures to Watch

1. Business Tax Rises
   Given the fiscal shortfall, analysts expect adjustments to corporation tax, particularly surcharges or additional rates for specific sectors.
2. Business Rates Overhaul
   As explored above, reforms to how rates are calculated—via slice vs slab—and targeted reliefs for small and high-street businesses are on the table.
3. Reliefs and Incentives
   The government may restore or expand investment incentives (e.g. super deductions, R&D). Some anticipate reviews of capital allowances or mechanisms for green and digital investment.
4. Threshold Freezes & Personal Taxes
   Many predict continued freezing of thresholds (income tax, capital gains, personal allowances), dragging more individuals into higher tax bands.
5. Sector-Specific Measures
   Expect targeted support for sectors under strain (hospitality, retail, agriculture), possibly via reliefs, grants or tax credits.

What Businesses Should Do Ahead

• Model multiple tax scenarios (light, medium, heavy) across your P&L and cash flows.
• Model impact on threshold creep for key individuals (directors, highest-paid staff).
• Review capital expenditure plans to front-load qualifying investment before new rules bite.
• Engage with policy consultations early—many tax changes are preceded by draft legislation.

Bottom Line

The November 2025 Budget is shaping up to be pivotal. Prepare and plan now so you’re ready when tax change opportunities—or obligations—arrive.