The UK Autumn Budget was delivered on 28 October 2026. It includes measures affecting employers, payroll, business rates and investment. Here are some of the key announcements UK businesses should consider in their planning.
Minimum wage changes from April 2027
From 1 April 2027, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over will rise from £12.71 to £13.21 per hour. National Minimum Wage rates will also increase by 3.9%.
Employers should consider the wider payroll impact, including pay bands, overtime, holiday pay and employer costs. Reviewing these figures early can help businesses prepare their budgets for next year.
FineX supports businesses with payroll services and accounting and bookkeeping to help keep finance processes organised.
Payroll reporting changes are coming
The Budget confirms a phased move towards payrolling benefits in kind. The initial phase is expected to begin in April 2027, covering benefits such as medical cover and company vehicles and fuel. Most other benefits are expected to follow from April 2028.
Employers should review how they collect and check employee benefit information. Accurate records throughout the year will help support payroll processing and reporting.
For official guidance, see HMRC’s expenses and benefits information.
Business rates: check your property’s eligibility
From April 2027, the small business rates relief threshold is due to increase for qualifying retail, hospitality and leisure properties in England. The overall effect will depend on each property’s rateable value and eligibility.
Businesses should review their current rates information and monitor the detailed rules as they are published. Business rates are devolved, so firms in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should check the arrangements that apply where they operate.
Capital investment and tax relief
The Budget’s tax measures include a planned increase in the first-year allowance for certain capital assets outside full expensing, from 40% to 50% for qualifying spending from 1 January 2027. The annual relief rate on main-pool balances is expected to reduce from 14% to 12% from 1 April 2027.
The impact will depend on the asset, the business and the applicable tax rules. Companies considering equipment or other capital purchases should review their plans and speak with a qualified tax adviser.
FineX provides tax and compliance support and management accounting to help firms organise reporting and financial information.
Keep cash flow and compliance in view
The Budget also includes planned steps to increase HMRC compliance activity, including changes affecting Self Assessment payment timing. Businesses and individuals affected by the final rules may need to plan for tax payments differently.
Regular bookkeeping and cash-flow forecasting can help businesses understand upcoming obligations, keep records up to date and make informed decisions. FineX’s accounting and bookkeeping support can help maintain reliable financial records and reporting processes.
Prepare for the changes ahead
The Budget measures have different start dates and may affect businesses in different ways. Employers can review payroll forecasts and benefit records. Eligible firms can check their business rates information, while businesses planning investment can assess how the allowance changes may affect their forecasts.
FineX supports UK businesses and accountancy firms with accounting, payroll and finance operations. Talk to FineX about support for your finance processes.
This article is a general summary of selected Budget announcements, not individual tax or legal advice. Measures may depend on eligibility, legislation and further guidance.