Short answer
The Chancellor, John Healey, has confirmed the Autumn Budget will be delivered on Wednesday 28 October 2026. Measures are not final until the Chancellor stands up in the House of Commons, so this guide covers only what's officially confirmed so far and how to prepare sensibly rather than react to speculation.
When is the Budget 2026
On 31 July 2026, Chancellor John Healey confirmed the Budget will be held on Wednesday 28 October 2026, alongside the Office for Budget Responsibility's economic and fiscal forecast.[1]
Until the Chancellor's statement is delivered, any reported 'plans' are proposals, leaks or speculation — not law. Tax and benefit rules only change once legislation is passed, so don't make big financial decisions based on rumour.
What's already confirmed, separate from Budget day
Some changes were announced at the previous Autumn Budget (2025) and are being implemented on their own timetable rather than waiting for this Budget. For example, from 6 April 2027 the annual cash ISA subscription limit is being reduced to £12,000 for savers under 65, while it stays at £20,000 for savers aged 65 and over and for stocks and shares ISAs.[2]
Separately, the Prime Minister has announced the State Pension triple lock will be adjusted from April 2030, after which the State Pension will rise each year by at least inflation or 2.5%, rather than the current three-way guarantee. This does not affect the triple lock during the rest of this Parliament.[3]
What's confirmed and what's proposed
Confirmed: the Budget date, Wednesday 28 October 2026.[1]
Confirmed and already law: the cash ISA limit reduction to £12,000 (under 65s) from 6 April 2027, and bringing most unused pension funds into inheritance tax from 6 April 2027 — both are separate from this Budget and already set out in legislation.[2]
Announced, not yet law: adjusting the triple lock from April 2030 — a government commitment, not a legislated change.[3]
Not yet known: the specific tax and spending measures the Chancellor will announce on 28 October 2026 itself. Anything reported before the speech is speculation, not fact, until confirmed in the Budget documents.
Sources
- [1] gov.uk/government/news/budget-to-move-power-and-money-out-of-westminster-and-into-every-postcode-around-britain
- [2] gov.uk/government/publications/reduction-in-the-cash-individual-savings-account-isa-limit/cash-individual-savings-account-isa-limit-reduction
- [3] gov.uk/government/publications/state-pension-uprating-analysis-2026/state-pension-uprating
How to prepare for Budget day — without guessing
Get a clear, factual picture of your own numbers first: income, regular spending, savings and any pension contributions. Decisions are easier when you know your starting point rather than reacting to headlines.
Avoid rushing to 'beat' a rumoured change. Budgets are frequently reported inaccurately in the run-up, and acting on an unconfirmed rumour (for example, withdrawing a pension early) can cost you more than waiting for the facts.
If you have a specific, time-sensitive decision — a pension withdrawal, a large gift, or moving savings — speak to an FCA-regulated financial adviser or get free guidance from MoneyHelper before Budget day, not after.
What to do after the Budget is delivered
Read the actual GOV.UK policy documents and HMRC guidance published alongside the Chancellor's speech, rather than relying only on headlines.
Check whether any confirmed measure affects your tax code, ISA, pension or benefits, and from what date it takes effect — many changes are phased in over following tax years.
If something is unclear or affects a big decision, that's the moment to speak to a regulated adviser, not before.
Get free resources and tools
Join the free Empowering Wealth community for free money resources, tools and events. Education and community — not regulated financial advice.
Questions
Questions people also ask
When is the UK Budget 2026?
Wednesday 28 October 2026, as confirmed by Chancellor John Healey on 31 July 2026.
Has the Budget 2026 definitely cut the cash ISA allowance?
The cash ISA reduction to £12,000 for under-65s was announced at the previous Autumn Budget (2025) and is due to take effect from 6 April 2027, separate from this Budget's measures. For savers 65 and over, the limit stays £20,000.
Is the State Pension triple lock being scrapped in this Budget?
The triple lock continues as promised for the rest of this Parliament. The government has announced it will adjust from April 2030, which is a separate decision from the 28 October 2026 Budget itself.
Should I make financial decisions based on Budget rumours?
No. Treat anything not confirmed on GOV.UK or in the Chancellor's statement as speculation. Acting early on a rumour can sometimes cost more than waiting for the facts.
Where can I check what was actually announced?
GOV.UK publishes the Budget documents and HMRC policy papers on Budget day. MoneyHelper also publishes plain-English summaries of what changes mean for you.