Autumn Statement 2025: what it means for brain injury survivors and Headway charities

In her Autumn budget statement, the Chancellor of the Exchequer made no mention of acquired brain injury (ABI) or rehabilitation services ahead of the government’s Acquired Brain Injury Action Plan, which has again been delayed until the new year.

There was no dedicated investment, no funded plan to improve access to community-based neurorehabilitation, and no commitment to vocational support for brain injury survivors trying to return to work or education.

Disappointingly, there was also no charity exemption from the punitive increase in National Insurance contributions for employers announced last year and introduced this April.

There were some positive steps, such as removing the two-child limit in Universal Credit, which will help thousands of families, many including brain injury survivors, and introducing VAT relief for businesses when donating goods to charities. But more urgent action is needed.

Local Headway charities cannot wait—urgent support is required

Chief Executive of Headway UK, Luke Griggs said in response to the budget:

“These services are not optional - they are lifelines that help people rebuild their lives and return to work. The omission is even more concerning given the ABI Action Plan is just around the corner. Words won’t change lives. Sustainable funding will.

“Local Headway charities are still carrying the weight of last year’s hike in employer National Insurance contributions. Yes, the Chancellor didn’t increase them further, but she didn’t reverse them either. That burden remains, and it’s pushing vital services to the brink. Survivors can’t wait. We need action now.”

Brain injury survivors and local Headway charities must not be forgotten. Without sustainable funding, the lifeline services that so many rely on are at serious risk of disappearing. Headway UK will continue to oppose the increase in employer National Insurance contributions within the charitable sector, and champion the rights and needs of brain injury survivors to ensure they receive the support they deserve.

Spending changes

The Budget detailed plans for 250 NHS Neighbourhood Health Centres, with 120 operational by 2030, funded through public investment and a new public-private partnership model.

We welcome this initiative though it remains to be seen how these will operate in practice and whether there will be specific training on brain injury awareness for those working at the centres and what services they will offer.

We also welcome the news businesses will soon benefit from new tax relief when supporting charities. From 1 April 2026, a VAT exemption will apply to goods donated by businesses to charities, whether for distribution to people in need or for use in delivering charitable services.

Minimum wage rates will also rise, with workers aged 21 and over earning £12.71 an hour and younger workers seeing similar increases.

Headway UK will continue to advocate for fair funding and investment in rehabilitation services. We urge the Government to ensure that the forthcoming ABI Action Plan delivers meaningful, practical support for brain injury survivors and the charities that serve them.

Click here to read the budget statement for further reference.