The Autumn Budget 2025 outlines several economic and tax measures likely to affect boarding schools. According to Oliver Hall, allmanhall’s co-owner and Managing Director:
“We have another tax and spend budget that will see employers further squeezed. This will lead to an in increase in prices as costs are passed on, at a time when confidence and spending power have already been significantly eroded.”
An increase in statutory minimum wages from April 2026 will directly affect many low-paid roles across catering, cleaning, and support services.
This will benefit low-income workers, but it also introduces new cost pressures for schools, many of whom are already facing tight budgets and staffing challenges. This impacts contract caterers and in-house teams alike – outsourcing employment simply outsources, rather than solves, the challenge.
With income tax bands frozen, many households will see more of their income taxed, especially if wages rise. For families where sacrifices were already being made to pay for school fees, this may heighten price sensitivity so anything schools can do to reduce price increases being passed on will be appreciated. Making sure the pounds and pennies go further will be a mantra for all.
That’s where a specialist food procurement and foodservice consultancy can make a real difference – helping you respond strategically, not just reactively.
allmanhall support schools by delivering real savings and long-term value, without compromising quality or service standards. To find out how, click here.
Co-owner and Director, Jo Hall summarises:
“This is a time to look for support to enhance what your organisation can achieve, giving you value for money, reassurance that someone is negotiating your prices in the face of food inflation and, where possible, providing wrap-around expertise and services you may otherwise have to pay for.”
www.allmanhall.co.uk
