Pensioner pessimism drags on consumer confidence ahead of Budget October 9, 2024 Just one in six consumers think that the economy will improve over the next year while half think it will get worse, according to Which?
Rachel Reeves promises to ‘revolutionise’ UK capital markets and boost London listings October 8, 2024 Ministers and regulators have made urgent efforts to inject more life into Britain's capital markets amid a dearth of IPO activity and heavy outflows from UK equity funds.
Gilt yields rise ahead of Budget as Chancellor Reeves set to increase borrowing October 8, 2024 Analysts suggested that the increase was largely a result of concerns that Chancellor Rachel Reeves will ramp up borrowing in the budget to fund a major investment programme.
HS2 will reach Euston, transport secretary signals October 8, 2024 Transport secretary Louise Haigh has given the strongest signal yet that HS2 will reach London’s Euston station, ahead of an announcement she said would be coming soon. The Cabinet minister said an announcement on the project could occur during the Budget on Wednesday, 30 October. Speaking to Times Radio this morning, Haigh said: “We’ve said [...]
Adopt new fiscal rules to break UK’s low-growth trap, IPPR says October 8, 2024 The current set of fiscal rules, the UK's ninth, has come under fire from a range of different quarters for their perceived impact in disincentivising government investment.
Pension death tax an ‘area to target’ experts say October 8, 2024 In a new report, the industry body discussed the wide range of changes to pension taxes which Reeves is rumoured to be considering ahead of the budget, warning there were "no easy solutions".
Businesses ‘clearly anxious’ as budget approaches, survey shows October 8, 2024 The BCC's quarterly economic survey showed that 48 per cent of firms cited taxation as a worry, up from 36 per cent the quarter before.
Chancellor’s tightrope walk will leave us holding our breath October 8, 2024 By tradition, Chancellors are allowed a stiff drink at the despatch box as they deliver their Budget. Parliamentary records tell us that Gladstone enjoyed sherry and beaten egg while the most recent Chancellor to indulge in this ancient right, Ken Clarke, opted for a straight whiskey. Since then, there’s been nothing but water in the [...]
Teaching unions urge government to delay private school VAT roll out October 7, 2024 Teaching unions have urged the government to delay the roll out of private schools having to pay 20 per cent VAT on fees, amid fears of job losses and a “significant burden” on HMRC. Reports emerged on Sunday that ministers were reevaluating the policy – after the Treasury initially declined to confirm it would take [...]
Retail bosses urge Chancellor to reform business rates to boost growth October 7, 2024 The letter, co-ordinated by the British Retail Consortium (BRC), argued the retail industry paid 7.4 per cent of all business taxes when it only made up five per cent of the overall economy.