Will our fiscal psychodrama never end? September 22, 2026 I’m sure it wasn’t always like this. There was a time, really not that long ago in the grand scheme of things, when trying to predict the contents of an upcoming Budget was limited to dedicated policy wonks and Westminster’s most dogged journalists. These days, fiscal speculation is a major occupation for several months of [...]
Business rates cut will ‘backfire’ for Soho and West End September 22, 2026 John Healey’s plans to deliver an emergency tax cut for high street businesses would fail to boost most firms in London’s busiest areas like Soho and the West End, analysis suggests. The Chancellor is reportedly planning to cut taxes for pubs, shops, cafes and restaurants by hiking the threshold for small business rates relief (SBBR). [...]
How mansion tax changes could triple the number of payers in suburban London September 22, 2026 When she introduced the measure in her October Budget, then-Chancellor Rachel Reeves told MPs her new mansion tax would “deal with a longstanding source of wealth inequality in our country.” Reeves promised that the new levy, set to cost as much as £7,500 for the highest-value homes, would raise more than £400m and would affect [...]
Andrew Griffith tells Burnham to rule out Budget tax rises September 16, 2026 Shadow chancellor Andrew Griffith will urge Labour to rule out further tax rises on businesses at next month’s Budget, as the Conservatives set out plans to cut the compliance burden facing small firms and the self-employed. In his first major speech since taking the role, Griffith will call on Andy Burnham and chancellor John Healey [...]
Burnham warns of ‘challenging’ Budget and hits back at ‘socialists with TikTok’ jibe September 16, 2026 Andy Burnham has warned Brits to expect a “challenging” Budget as he hit back at his former adviser for accusing him of being a “socialist with better TikToks”. Burnham’s comments will be interpreted as an indication that tax hikes will likely form part of October’s Budget, as his pledge to give households “breathing space” on [...]
London is expensive enough for tourists September 15, 2026 An overnight levy on top of the removal of VAT-free shopping is making London too expensive for tourists, writes Ros Morgan.
Haigh and Healey to host business chiefs in Downing Street September 14, 2026 Louise Haigh and John Healey will lead meetings with top business chiefs in Downing Street this evening after Andy Burnham cancelled his official engagements following the death of his father. The First Secretary of State will host a roundtable with entrepreneurs, which is set to be followed by an evening drinks reception. The Chancellor and [...]
How much do regulations cost the average UK business in 2026? September 14, 2026 No one single regulation is responsible for businesses' current woes. The accumulation of taxes has become greater than the sum of its parts.
Burnham told to deliver 10 per cent hospitality VAT after backing tax cut September 14, 2026 More than 800 hospitality businesses have called on Andy Burnham to make good on his support for lower VAT, piling pressure on the prime minister ahead of next month’s Budget. Pub giants, restaurant chains, hotels and some of Britain’s best-known chefs have signed an open letter demanding the government cut hospitality VAT from 20 per [...]
Reform hits back at Tory plan to ‘abolish inheritance tax’ September 13, 2026 The Conservatives and Reform UK have clashed over plans to abolish inheritance tax as Kemi Badenoch prepares to put tax cuts at the heart of her pitch to voters. Badenoch is considering pledging to scrap inheritance tax if the Tories win the next general election, with the policy potentially forming the centrepiece of her party [...]