Impact of the Autumn Budget 2024 on the VCSE Sector and Communities

A picture of the Big Ben clock tower and the Houses of Parliament with the caption 'Overview: Autumn Budget 2024'

The Autumn Budget set out the governments spending plan up until March 2026. It also provides insight into the 2026 spending review, which is important as it will outline how funding to central government departments will be allocated (up until March 2029).

Any decisions made now and in the future will impact on the VCSE sector and local communities in a range of ways. We’ve therefore put together a list of articles and resources that you may find useful.

Useful articles for VCSE groups & organisations

NCVO - Budget 2024: Key implications for charities

  • Highlights the budget decisions that will likely help the VCSE sector. For example, a 3.2% rise in core government local spending, with at least £600 million new funding for social care and additional investment in SEND provision.

  • Summarises some of the financial pressures expected for the sector. For example, the 6.7% increase in national living wage and increase in employer National Insurance contributions (to 15% from April 2025).

  • Lists the other budget decisions that may impact the sector and communities. For example, £26 million investment in mental health crisis centres and new legislation to prevent charity tax rule abuses.

  • Provides NCVO’s take on the overall impact on the sector and a reminder to share your views on their proposed Civil Society Covenant.

NCVO - Open letter to the chancellor on the impact of increased employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) for charities

  • Summarises NCVO and ACEVO’s open letter to the chancellor calling for urgent action on the planned increase.

  • They have estimated that the increase in NICs could cost the sector £1.4bn a year and have therefore issued a joint letter to the chancellor to outline their concerns for the sector. 

  • Explains how you can co-sign the letter to call for a commitment to safeguard charities from increased employer NICs.

NAVCA - Autumn Budget: what does it mean for the voluntary sector?

  • Highlights much of what NCVO covers in the above article.

  • Focusses on the potential impact for local authorities in a bit more detail. For example, additional funding for homelessness and the extension of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

  • Highlights the increased funding for the NHS (£22.6 billion increase for day-to-day spending).

  • Includes a useful link to an event they are hosting on 20 November 2024 about their research into Section 114 Notices for Local Authorities experiencing financial difficulties.

BBC: How much will the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rise by?

  • Shares details of the National Minimum Wage rates from April 2025.

  • Shares details of the National Living Wage rate from April 2025.
  • Provides a useful overview for employers, including legal obligations.

Useful articles for individuals and communities

Martin Lewis - Analysis of the Autumn Budget 2024 and what it means for you

  • Breaks down each budget decision and explains what these decisions could mean for individuals.

Royal London video - What does the budget mean for individuals

  • Highlights the key benefits for individuals.

  • Summarises changes to inheritance tax changes on pension, changes to state pension and pension credit.

  • Explains the changes to Carer’s Allowance income threshold.

ACRE’s take on the 2024 Autumn Budget

  • Summarises the impact of the budget on rural communities. For example, the benefit of the Fuel Duty freeze, bus fare cap and reduction of the ‘Right to Buy’ discount.

Read the full Autumn Budget 2024 and supporting documents 

You can read the full Autumn Budget 2024 and supporting documents on the UK Government website.

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