Autumn Budget: BALI welcomes positive first steps towards growth and stability but warns of continued pressures on landscaping businesses
The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) has cautiously welcomed elements of today’s Autumn Budget, recognising measures that could support economic growth and provide opportunities for landscaping businesses, while warning that significant cost pressures facing its members remain unresolved.
The Chancellor’s statement included measures intended to support business growth, stimulate development and improve access to employment opportunities. For the UK landscaping industry, these announcements offer potential benefits, particularly through a streamlined planning process, fertiliser tariff removal and increased support for apprenticeships, such as £100 million for a "matching" scheme, as well as the continued freeze to fuel duty.
BALI welcomes these developments, having actively called for faster planning processes in its pre-Budget letter to the Chancellor and previously campaigned for increased funding for apprenticeship access grants and making it easier for landscaping businesses to access interested apprentices. Both measures have the potential to help landscaping businesses overcome barriers to growth, develop the skills they need, and bring new talent into the industry.
However, BALI believes further action is needed to address the cumulative financial pressures facing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These businesses represent over 90% of BALI members, many of which continue to navigate rising employment costs, material prices and wider operational expenses.
Employment costs remain a concern
BALI recognises the importance of increases to the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage in helping people meet the cost of living and ensuring that work pays. However, these increases also create additional costs for employers, particularly labour-intensive landscaping businesses.
Wayne Grills, Chief Executive, BALI, said: “With previous increases in employer National Insurance contributions adding to the financial burden on businesses, BALI is concerned that insufficient attention has been given to how SMEs can absorb these cumulative pressures while continuing to invest, recruit and grow. Supporting workers and supporting the businesses that employ them must go hand-in-hand. Sustainable growth requires a business environment in which landscaping employers can offer fair wages while maintaining viable operations and delivering high-quality services.”
Housing opportunities, but concerns over biodiversity
Additional investment in housing could create opportunities for BALI members delivering landscape design, construction, planting, green spaces and long-term management maintenance. BALI has always believed that high-quality landscaping is an essential component of successful housing and infrastructure development, delivering lasting economic, social and environmental benefits. Indeed, an Oxford Economics Report states that the environmental horticulture and landscaping industry contributes £38bn to UK GDP and supports 722,000 jobs, which generates approximately £8.4 billion in tax revenues.
However, the announced changes to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) exemptions for brownfield housing developments are a cause for concern. BALI warns that reducing the scope of biodiversity requirements risks weakening the effectiveness of BNG and limiting opportunities to deliver meaningful ecological improvements alongside new housing.
Amy Cobbett, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, commented: “Housing delivery and environmental protection should not be treated as competing priorities. With the right planning and professional expertise, development can support both economic growth and nature recovery, and BALI members have the skills and experience to help deliver these outcomes. The Association will continue to encourage its members to champion biodiversity and high environmental standards, including where legislative requirements fall short of what could be achieved."
Looking ahead
BALI welcomes the positive steps taken towards growth and stability but will continue to press the Government to maintain engagement with the landscaping sector and address the cost pressures facing its businesses.
The Association will also continue to advocate for policies that support SMEs, strengthen skills and recruitment, improve the planning process and ensure that high-quality green infrastructure and biodiversity remain integral to the UK’s future development.
Join us for an in-depth look at the Budget
Members can join BALI for a debrief and further insight into the potential impacts of the Autumn Budget on the landscaping sector. The free member-only webinar takes place from 3-4pm on Thursday 29 October 2026 and members can book their place now via the BALI website at bali.org.uk/events/the-autumn-budget-what-does-it-mean-for-your-business-7508/
