Preparing for the Autumn Budget: what topics are clients asking about?

With the Autumn Budget fast approaching on 26 November, client conversations are covering some headlines hinting at potential tax changes or pension tweaks. It is natural to wonder what it all means for you.

According to recent findings from The Timebank Digest, enquiries to advisers have surged. Nearly 70% of advisers say that clients getting in touch to adjust their plans ahead of the Budget has been their biggest challenge. At Carbon, we’ve had a number of thoughtful questions and a shared desire for reassurance before the Chancellor steps up to the despatch box. Although we cannot predict the future, our view is not to make changes based on rumoured budget announcements.

Here are the seven main topics, drawn from the Digest’s research, along with our take on what they mean for your planning.

Lifetime allowance – is it really over?

The abolition of the pension lifetime allowance continues to crop up in conversations. The Digest reports that almost three-quarters of advisers (73%) named this as their clients’ top concern. Many fear that the policy could be revisited or reversed. While that’s impossible to predict, your plan can be built to stay resilient either way. Regular reviews and a flexible withdrawal strategy help ensure that future changes don’t derail your progress.

How to draw pensions tax-efficiently

Around 55% of advisers cited questions about drawing down pensions as clients look for the most efficient way to access funds. The focus here is on balance and accessing money when you need it rather than to combat future rule changes. Using allowances wisely, managing income tax exposure, and keeping longevity in view. Together with our clients, we can model different scenarios and make sure your income strategy still works under stress tested situations.

Inheritance tax and gifting strategies

Nearly half of advisers said their clients are raising concerns about inheritance tax and gifting. With thresholds frozen and speculation about potential reforms, it’s a smart time to revisit estate plans. Reviewing allowances, exemptions, and timing can help secure more of your wealth for those you care about.

Passing pensions to heirs

The Digest notes that questions about passing on pensions, also at around 49%, are increasingly common. Pension death benefits can be a powerful legacy tool, but the rules around taxation and nominations can be complex, in addition to the upcoming changes to pensions and IHT in April 2027. A quick review of whom you’ve nominated and how that aligns with your wider estate plan can prevent future issues.

Pension tax allowances

Roughly a third of advisers have reported client queries about annual and tapered allowances. These limits may not make the front page, but they have real implications for how much you can save before hitting tax thresholds. Checking where you stand before the Budget helps you make informed choices, particularly if you’re considering contributions soon.

Trust structures

Around one in five advisers said clients are checking whether their trust arrangements still make sense. With new reporting rules and shifting guidance, it’s an ideal moment to confirm everything is still working as intended. A well-structured trust can continue to play an important role in family wealth planning when kept up to date.

Retirement income planning overall

Finally, 8% of advisers said clients are asking broader questions about retirement income. Even small policy changes can ripple through carefully built plans. Revisiting budgets, testing projections, and building in “what if” scenarios can provide comfort that you’ll stay on course even if tax rates or rules move slightly.

A shared sense of caution

What stands out from the Digest’s findings is not panic, but thoughtful concern. Clients want clarity before making big financial moves, and that’s a good thing. Change is part of every Budget cycle, but having a clear, flexible plan makes it much easier to adapt.

At Carbon, our focus remains steady: helping clients prepare without overreacting. So, if any of these topics are on your mind whether it’s pensions, gifting, or just staying tax-efficient, please reach out. Sometimes, just talking through what’s possible can replace uncertainty with perspective.

Important Note: This article is provided for information purposes only and should not be regarded as financial advice. Decisions should not be made based on this material without first consulting a qualified financial planner who understands your personal circumstances. Information is based on sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This content is directed primarily at UK residents.