What the Autumn 2026 Budget means for you

In the 2026 Autumn Budget, the Chancellor announced a package of measures that could have a direct impact on people living with Parkinson's, unpaid carers and families facing rising living costs. 

These include:

• Changes to Carers Allowance, so unpaid carers support will reduce gradually as earnings increase. This could provide greater financial security and flexibility for many carers supporting people with Parkinson's.
• Prescription charges in England remain frozen at £9.90 for another year, which could benefit those under 60 with Parkinson's who still have to pay for their medication.
• A £100 Household Energy Payment for around 20 million households in council tax bands A-D, to be paid directly into bank accounts this winter. 
• The gas standing charge will be scrapped, with Treasury estimates suggesting many households could save around £45 per year on energy bills. 

Pension and life sciences boost

The Chancellor also confirmed that pensioners relying solely on the State Pension will see their personal tax allowance increase to £13,036, helping to ensure they do not pay income tax solely because of the annual pension increase.

And the Budget included over £1 billion of new public-private investment in life sciences, including major investment in medical research and development. 

This could support future innovation in neurological conditions and improve access to new treatments over time.

Our response

Caroline Rassell, CEO at Parkinson's UK, said: 

"Little in this budget improves care and support for people with Parkinson's. Changes to Carer's Allowance and freezing prescription charges in England are welcome but a drop in the ocean. 

"People with Parkinson's and their families are struggling with gaps in social care, problems accessing Personal Independence Payment and delays in getting the NHS care they need.

"While we recognise the need for careful planning, people with Parkinson's cannot afford to wait indefinitely for improvements. Fundamental social care reform, changes to PIP and long-overdue improvements to NHS care are all urgently needed.

"With key reviews and plans still ongoing, the UK Government must turn these into meaningful action. People with Parkinson's and their families deserve financial security and timely access to the care and support they need, and we urge the UK Government to make this a priority."

Next steps

We will brief MPs and members of the Lords on the impact of the budget on people living with Parkinson's, so they are prepared for the debates over the coming days.