IPSE, the UK’s Self-Employed Association, gives its initial verdict on the 2026 Budget.
Josh Toovey, Head of Policy and Research at IPSE, said:
“Some of these tweaks are genuinely helpful. Reversing the Cash ISA cut, better mileage rates, parental pay and an increased trading allowance will all make a difference, and business rates reform is a welcome boost for our smallest high street businesses.
“But taken together, they don’t go anywhere near far enough. The biggest problem facing the self-employed is finding work. But the cost of hiring is still too high across the board. It’s forcing businesses to postpone projects and other activities that spur growth in the self-employed sector. Nothing in this Budget fixes that.
“Add the rising cost of simply being in business, from Companies House fees to Making Tax Digital and a dividend allowance cut to the bone, and starting and running a business on your own has never felt like a bigger gamble.
“Where is the support for entrepreneurs we were promised? Government can’t talk about growth while leaving the biggest barriers to working for yourself untouched.”
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