The Autumn budget is one of the most significant political moments of the year, signalling where the Government intends to direct investment and attention. It’s one of the key events which in the next few years NTUK will be working towards, to secure commitments to increase funding for National Trails. Indeed, we submitted a strong submission to the open call ahead of the Budget this year.

Although  National Trails were not explicitly referenced this time, several  announcements have clear implications for the National Trails and the landscape we operate in, from growth priorities and public service funding to devolution and changes to public bodies.  

Key takeaways

The Autumn Budget continues the key Government driver of growth, centred on housing, infrastructure and deregulation.

• National Trails must be positioned as contributors to economic growth, health and local prosperity.
• Devolution presents new opportunities for Trail funding and local partnerships.
• DEFRA cuts reinforce the need to broaden relationships across government and beyond.
• Emerging policies, such as the Tourism Levy, could unlock new funding routes for Trail maintenance.

For NTUK, this Budget brings both challenges and opportunities. Below are my  reflections on the Budget as a whole, and what it means for our National Trails and those who support them.  

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The Government’s growth agenda

While headlines focused on cuts – to  NHS waiting lists, the cost of living, and Government debt , the Budget’s defining theme was growth.

Mentioned 278 times, many of the actual spending priorities in the budget support the ways in which the Government thinks it needs to be ‘relentlessly pursuing growth’. Mostly, this growth agenda focuses on housing, major transport infrastructure projects, and deregulation.

This raises two key considerations for NTUK. ‍

National Trails as contributors to growth

NTUK needs to make sure that with our members, we continue strengthening the evidence base showing how National Trails actively support economic growth, particularly through tourism spend, local business activity and job creation along the network.

Challenging the ‘growth vs nature’ narrative

We must continue to challenge the narrative that nature and access to nature, and proportionate protection for National Trails, inhibits grown. The opposite is true. Good regulation adds long-term value, making developments better for people, places and nature. Working with sector partners, we’ll strengthen the case that our National Trails support both growth and environmental resilience.

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Value for money and public services

Alongside talk about investment in public services, the Budget emphasises the need to demonstrate strong  value for public money.

National Trails already offer excellent value for public money, something we must continue evidencing clearly and consistently in our advocacy  on behalf of the National Trails.

The particular emphasis on strengthening the NHS, also presents an opportunity for National Trails. Research shows that National Trails support public health, saving the NHS at least £167 million annually through increased physical activity and volunteering. With green social prescribing becoming more widely adopted, the National Trails are playing an expanding role in community health and wellbeing.  

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Devolution and local decision making

The Government’s continued devolution agenda presents potential opportunities for National Trails that pass through Mayoral authorities and other devolution zones, including Cornwall.

As part of the devolution deals still being finalised, an initial seven Mayoral Strategic Authorities will receive approximately £13 billion each in flexible funding  for growth and public services. On top of this, five authorities will pilot ‘place-based budgets’ to test whether pooling of public service budget can improve value and reduce siloed decision making.

This shift towards local funding decisions could be great for National Trails, as they often enjoy strong local support, and a better understanding of the local economic impact.  NTUK will be looking to work closely with National Trails in Mayoral areas to help them make the most of these opportunities.

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DEFRA cuts and the case for diversified funding

DEFRA’s budget will continue to fall over the coming years. Although expected, and to be honest, less severe than anticipated, these reductions reinforce the  need for NTUK to broaden relationships across other Government Departments, and with external funders for National Trails. It also reinforces the need for us to continue  making a strong evidence-based case for National Trail funding.

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Key policy announcements affecting National Trails

Tourism Levy

As seen in Wales and Scotland, Government will be legislating for a levy on overnight stays in Mayoral areas, with potential expansion to other strategic authorities. A 12-week consultation runs until 18^thFebruary.

In Scotland, NTUK is already advocating  that in areas with National Trails, a portion of levy income  should be put towards Trail maintenance and repair..

We’ll be in touch with the English National Trails to shape a coordinated  response to this consultation in the New Year.

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Review of public bodies

Government is reviewing public bodies and arm’s length bodies (ALBs), to make them ‘more efficient, effective and accountable’ before the next spending review. This includes implementing the findings of a recently completed ALB review and making regulation more efficient and less costly for businesses.

Given that National Trails  in England rely on Natural England, an ALB, NTUK will be keeping a close eye on any changes that could  impact National Trails.

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What NTUK will do next

In light of the Budget, NTUK will take forward the following actions:

1. Strengthen the economic case for National Trails

We will continue building and promoting evidence on the contribution Trails make to local economies, tourism and growth, ensuring they are recognised as key national assets.

2. Consolidate health and wellbeing data

We will gather and update research showing the health, wellbeing and NHS savings generated by the Trails, supporting stronger collaboration with health partners.

3. Support Trails in Mayoral and devolved areas

With new devolved funding streams emerging, we will work closely with Trails in these regions to explore opportunities and influence local decision-making.

4. Broaden Government and external partnerships

As DEFRA’s budget reduces, we will focus on building relationships across departments, such as health, transport, and levelling up, and with external funders who can support long-term stewardship of the network.

5. Coordinate a sector-wide response to the Tourism Levy

NTUK will work with National Trails to develop a clear, unified response to the consultation and ensure opportunities for investment in Trails are recognised.

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