Autumn Budget 2026 winners and losers: From pensioners and workers to savers and landlords
From pensioners and first-time buyers to savers and landlords, the Chancellor's measures will leave Britons facing sharply different outcomes
TL;DR
- The Budget aims to provide 'breathing space' for businesses and working people.
- Low-paid workers will benefit from an increase in the National Living Wage.
- Lower-income pensioners will be protected from paying income tax on their State Pension due to a new Pension Tax Allowance.
- Some businesses, particularly in retail and hospitality, will benefit from increased Small Business Rate Relief thresholds.
- Households will receive a £100 energy payment, and VAT on domestic electricity remains at a zero rate temporarily.
- Tariffs on over 100 imported food products are suspended, potentially lowering costs for shoppers.
- Tax-free mileage rates for employees using their own vehicles will become permanent, with an increase for higher mileage.
- The fuel duty reduction will remain in place until July 2027.
- First-time buyers will benefit from the 'Your First Home' scheme and a new First Time Buyer ISA.
- Banks will face a doubled surcharge on profits above £100 million.
- Tax rates on savings income outside ISAs will increase.
- Tax rates on property income for landlords will also increase.
- Online marketplaces will become responsible for collecting VAT on sales by UK VAT-registered businesses.
- Machine Games Duty will rise for higher-stake gambling machines.
- Alcohol duty will increase in line with inflation.
- Graduates with Plan 2 student loans will not see a reversal of the repayment threshold freeze.