Unlike the Autumn Budget, the Spring Statement isn’t designed to be a major fiscal reset. It’s primarily an update on the UK’s economic position and the progress the Government has made.
That said, there were several announcements from this most recent announcement – as well as some revised forecasts – that business owners should have on their radar.
This Statement also lands against a backdrop of wider pressures: last year’s National Insurance increases, continued rises in the National Living Wage, frozen tax thresholds, and upcoming inheritance tax changes. Taken together, these measures continue to shape the operating landscape for UK businesses and explain why investment has perhaps stagnated for smaller businesses.
Similar to how we shared the key points from the Budget back in November 2025, this straight-talking blog is here to cut through the noise and tell you the all important ‘so what’.
- Capital Gains Tax and Business Asset Disposal Relief
As previously announced, the rate of CGT under Business Asset Disposal Relief will rise to 18% from April 2026.
While not a new policy, the Spring Statement reconfirmed these timings, meaning the planning window is narrowing.
Impact: Business owners planning exits, share transfers, or succession arrangements need to be aware that the 14% rate will no longer apply after April 2026.
- Inheritance Tax Relief
From April 2026, 100% Inheritance Tax relief under Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) will be capped at £2.5m.
Impact: For family-owned companies, farms, and trading businesses, this cap affects estate and succession planning, particularly when business values exceed the new threshold.
- Fuel Duty rises
The Spring Statement confirmed that fuel duty will rise later in 2026.
Impact: Fleet managers, logistics companies, and mobile workforces will see higher transport costs, which may influence budgeting and fleet replacement strategies long-term.
- Economic outlook
The Statement didn’t undo or overhaul the Autumn Budget, but it does help crystallise the direction of travel on several key fronts.
The Office for Budget Responsibility has revised forecasts since the Autumn Budget:
- UK growth is expected to be 1.1% in 2026 (down from 1.4%)
- Inflation is forecast to fall faster, to 2.3% this year
- Unemployment is expected to peak at 5.3% (up from 4.9%)
With growth forecasts revised downwards and cost pressures continuing to shape decision-making, now is a sensible time to revisit your business plans.
Whether you’re reviewing cashflow projections, reassessing hiring plans, or sense-checking growth ambitions for the year ahead, our team is here to help you plan with clarity and confidence.
Get in touch if you’d like to talk through what the latest announcements mean for your business.
