Future-proofing your MAT: financial planning in a changing fiscal landscape

Multi-academy trusts continue to operate within a shifting fiscal environment, shaped by national funding priorities and wider economic pressures. The UK Government’s November 2025 budget, delivered on 26 November 2025, set out medium-term public spending plans and fiscal forecasts, including a continued emphasis on public infrastructure investment. Capital departmental expenditure limits (DEL) increased in 2025/26 compared with the prior year, supporting higher capex allocations across several departments, including education

Understanding how national funding shifts create strategic pressures for education

For the education sector, data indicates a notable uplift in capital DEL for 2025/26, rising by approximately 18.6% year-on-year, as per the Department for Education. This increase has been driven by additional funding for school condition, basic needs and high-needs capital, signalling an intent to address long-standing estate and maintenance challenges. While overall public finances remain constrained, the relative prioritisation of capital spending provides important context for trusts reviewing their estates strategies.

At the same time, the funding environment remains complex. Broader macroeconomic factors — including debt servicing costs and competing public spending priorities — continue to place pressure on departmental budgets. Although capital allocations have increased, they are unlikely to eliminate the existing backlog of estate requirements across the sector. As a result, many trusts are approaching capital planning with a greater focus on optionality, timing and sensitivity to changes in funding profiles.

How to strengthen your capital through financial planning

Within this environment, debt advisory can play a valuable supporting role. As trusts assess opportunities to progress capital projects, refinance existing obligations or manage liquidity, structured financing solutions can help align investment ambitions with balance-sheet capacity. Consideration of interest rate exposure, covenant structures and repayment profiles can support delivery of capital programmes while preserving operational flexibility.

Looking forward, integrating multi-year cashflow forecasts with capital investment appraisals is becoming an increasingly common feature of board discussions. This approach supports informed decision-making, allowing trusts to balance immediate financial pressures with longer-term investment in safe, efficient and sustainable learning environments, while maintaining confidence among key stakeholders.

As you navigate an increasingly complex funding landscape, Heligan Group is well placed to support your trust in shaping resilient, future‑ready financial strategies. Through its dedicated debt advisory specialists, the team structures tailored financing solutions that align the right capital with your long‑term ambitions, For trusts balancing multi‑year investment needs with operational pressures, this hands‑on, relationship‑led support ensures decisions are grounded in both strategic clarity and a deep understanding of the funding landscape. 

Explore how Heligan Group can support your trust by getting in touch today.