Autumn Budget 2021: key facts
The Chancellor struck a very upbeat tone in the second Budget of 2021, increasing spending pledges significantly. But what were the key tax announcements?

On tax measures the Budget was extremely light. Perhaps this is understandable given the major reforms that were announced earlier this year (increases to rates of corporation tax, NI, dividends). But there were still some things to look for in the documentation, aside from those already announced earlier. Here are the highlights:
- An across the board increase in the national living and national minimum wage rates
- A further extension to the annual investment allowance, which will remain at £1 million until 31 March 2023
- Confirmation that basis period reform will go ahead, with the transitional year in 2023/24, and an automatic spreading mechanism
- A cut in the Universal Credit taper rate from 63% to 55%
- A 50% cut to business rates in 2022/23 for businesses in the hospitality, retail and leisure sectors
- An increase in the rate of relief for three cultural activities, including museums and galleries
- An extension of the UK Property CGT reporting deadlines, from 30 days to 60 days
- The announcement that alcohol duty will be heavily simplified.
The full overview of tax legislation and rates, which contains links to the underlying policy notes, is now available here.
Related Topics
-
Accelerate tax relief for the cost of equipment
You’re upgrading your company’s IT equipment as it’s now several years old. Naturally your company will get tax relief for the purchases but what’s the tax position if you sell or scrap the old equipment, and how might you improve it?
-
Opt out of winter fuel payments by 15 September
HMRC has issued new guidance on the winter fuel payments. What do you need to know?
-
Capital gains tax break for job-related accommodation
You’re in the process of selling a property that you bought as your home but because of your job have never lived in. You’ve been told that you’ll have to pay tax on any gain you make, but might a special relief get you off the hook?