Andy Burnham Tax Changes: What Could the Autumn Budget 2026 Mean for Businesses and Individuals?
With Andy Burnham now Prime Minister, attention is quickly turning to what his new Government could mean for tax, businesses and household finances.
Cost-of-living support has emerged as an early priority, with the Government already announcing a temporary removal of VAT from domestic electricity bills from 1 October 2026.
But what could come next?
With the Autumn Budget approaching, speculation around future UK tax changes is likely to increase. For business owners, landlords and investors, the important thing is to separate confirmed Government policy from proposals and speculation – and to make sure your finances are prepared for different eventualities.
At A&C Chartered Accountants, our advice is simple: don’t make significant financial decisions because of a headline. Understand your position, consider the possible scenarios and plan ahead.
What tax changes has Andy Burnham announced?
One of the first major cost-of-living measures announced by the new Government is the temporary removal of VAT from domestic electricity bills.
Domestic electricity is currently subject to VAT at 5%. From 1 October 2026, the Government plans to reduce this to zero for six months.
The Government estimates that the measure could save a typical household approximately £45 over a year, although the actual saving will depend on electricity consumption.
The announcement gives us an early indication that easing cost-of-living pressures will be an important theme for the new Government.
However, attention is now moving towards the bigger question: what could happen to tax in the Autumn Budget 2026?
Could there be further UK tax changes in 2026?
Whenever a new Prime Minister and Government take office, speculation inevitably begins about possible changes to taxation.
Capital gains tax, property taxation and taxes affecting wealth and investments are among the areas likely to attract particular attention in the run-up to the Budget.
However, it is important to distinguish between three very different things:
- Government announcements and confirmed policy
- Proposals being considered or discussed
- Predictions and speculation from economists, newspapers and commentators
Until the Government formally announces a measure – and the relevant legislation and implementation dates become clear – taxpayers should be cautious about making irreversible decisions.
Could Capital Gains Tax change?
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is particularly relevant to people considering selling investments, second properties or business assets.
Changes to CGT rates, allowances or reliefs can potentially affect the amount of tax payable when an asset is sold.
This naturally means that speculation about CGT changes can cause investors and business owners to consider bringing transactions forward.
But acting purely because of speculation can create its own problems.
Selling an asset earlier than planned may have commercial, investment and wider tax consequences. The tax position should therefore be considered as part of the overall decision rather than in isolation.
If you’re already considering a significant disposal, now may be a sensible time to understand what your potential CGT liability looks like under the current rules and consider how different future tax scenarios could affect you.
What could future tax changes mean for landlords?
Landlords and property investors should also keep a close eye on the Autumn Budget.
Property has been the subject of considerable tax reform over recent years, so any further announcements affecting landlords could influence long-term investment decisions.
If you’re already considering selling, purchasing or restructuring property investments, understanding your existing tax position before the Budget can make future decisions much easier.
That doesn’t mean making changes now because taxes might change.
Instead, it means knowing your numbers and understanding the implications of the options available to you.
What could tax changes mean for business owners?
For small business owners and company directors, tax planning should go beyond simply looking at the amount of tax due this year.
Possible changes to areas such as Capital Gains Tax and business-related reliefs can become particularly important if you’re thinking about:
- Selling your business
- Bringing in new shareholders
- Passing the business to family members
- Restructuring your company
- Extracting profits
- Planning for retirement or succession
These are significant financial decisions that should generally be considered well in advance.
If a business sale or succession is something you may consider within the next few years, understanding your current position now gives you far more flexibility than waiting until a new tax rule has already been announced.
Don’t let tax speculation drive your decisions
Headlines about potential tax rises can understandably make people nervous.
But reacting too quickly can be just as damaging as failing to plan at all.
At A&C Chartered Accountants, we believe the better approach is to focus on the things you can control.
1. Review your current tax position
Understand where you stand today.
If you own a business, investment portfolio or additional property, consider what your potential tax exposure would be if you sold or transferred those assets.
2. Think about your long-term plans
Tax shouldn’t be considered separately from your wider financial and commercial objectives.
Ask yourself what you actually want to achieve over the next few years before deciding whether any action is necessary.
3. Consider different scenarios
Good tax planning isn’t about predicting exactly what the Chancellor will announce.
It’s about understanding how different outcomes could affect you.
For example, what would happen if a particular tax rate increased? Would it materially change your plans?
Scenario planning can help answer these questions without requiring you to make rushed decisions.
4. Get advice before major transactions
Property disposals, business sales and succession planning can have significant tax consequences.
Getting professional advice before completing a transaction can help you understand the available options and avoid expensive surprises later.
Preparing for the Autumn Budget 2026
The next few months could bring further announcements about the direction of UK tax policy under Andy Burnham’s Government.
For most individuals and businesses, this isn’t a reason to panic or make immediate changes.
It is, however, a good reason to review your position.
Knowing where you stand today means that when the Government does announce changes, you can make decisions based on your circumstances rather than reacting to the headlines.
Need help reviewing your tax position?
At A&C Chartered Accountants, we work with small businesses, company directors, landlords and individuals across Manchester and the UK.
If you’re considering selling a property or business, planning for succession, or simply want to understand how potential tax changes could affect you, we can help you review your current position and consider different scenarios ahead of the Autumn Budget.
Speak to A&C Chartered Accountants today to start planning ahead.
This article is intended as general information only and does not constitute tax or financial advice. Tax rules can change and individual circumstances vary. Professional advice should be obtained before taking action.