Sally Ashford comments in Spear's, IFA Magazine, and eprivateclient on the UK Spring Statement

With many of the announcements from both the 2024 and 2025 UK Autumn Budgets taking effect from April 2026, how is the private client sector responding?

The 2026 Spring Statement was, as largely anticipated, considerably less dramatic than November's Budget and presented no fiscal policy surprises. Nonetheless, wealthy individuals and their businesses will still have questions about making the most appropriate financial planning decisions going forward.

This Spring Statement offered an opportunity to assert stability, with no headline tax increases or announcements. Even so, with business property relief and inheritance tax changes taking effect on April 6th, high-net-worth individuals and family businesses are among those thinking carefully about their taxes, investments and financial planning. 

Geopolitical instability could bring about a significant shock on the global and UK economies, which may result in increased inflation or potentially limit further interest rate cuts by the Bank of England.

Ultimately, the consensus among private wealth clients is that proactive planning remains essential, particularly for clients with large or complex portfolios, in order to best navigate changeable policy and geopolitical landscapes.

Sally Ashford, Partner in our UK Private Client team, comments in Spear's, IFA Magazine, and eprivateclient.

Almost four months on from the 2025 Budget, and 16 months since the changes to Inheritance tax reliefs were announced, there have been numerous ‘tweaks’ to the proposals, increasing the uncertainty and anxiety for clients. This statement is designed to promote stability and is the Chancellor’s opportunity to show that her policies have had a positive impact, although the rapidly changing economic and political backdrop suggests otherwise.

"Careful planning will be essential in order to ensure arrangements remain fit for purpose as policy and market conditions evolve.

Read the full articles in eprivateclient, Spear's and IFA Magazine.