UK Autumn Budget 2026: Potential reforms for pensions and disabled families

As Chancellor John Healey prepares to deliver the Autumn Budget on October 28, several significant financial reforms are anticipated or confirmed. One major confirmed change involves unused private pension funds, which will be included in a person's estate for inheritance tax purposes starting in April 2027. Financial experts warn this could influence retirement planning and may tempt some retirees to withdraw benefits more aggressively to avoid taxation.

Advocacy groups, including Contact, are calling for specific measures to support families with disabled children. Proposed changes include unlocking savings held in Child Trust Funds and Junior ISAs through simpler processes than the current Court of Protection route. Additionally, there are calls for the introduction of an energy social tariff to help families manage the unavoidable high energy costs associated with essential medical equipment and care.