Use Budget to urgently review UK’s tax system, accountants urge Reeves September 20, 2024 Rachel Reeves should use the Budget next month to urgently review the UK’s tax system, including business rates and VAT, a chartered accountants group has urged. The Chancellor has been called on to set out the government’s plans to reform business rates, VAT and employment status by the end of the year in the fiscal [...]
Two-year mortgage rates fall as markets brace for future interest rate cuts September 20, 2024 Two-year mortgage deals are becoming increasingly competitive as rates continue to fall faster than longer-term deals.
Retail sales smash expectations despite a drop in consumer confidence September 20, 2024 Retail sales in the UK blew past expectations in August, climbing to their highest level since July 2022, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Sales were up one per cent compared to the previous month, beating analysts’ predictions of a 0.4 per cent rise. The increase builds on July’s return to growth, which [...]
Government borrowing jumps as threat of tax hikes grows September 20, 2024 The figures come just over a month before Rachel Reeves delivers her first Budget as Chancellor.
Consumer confidence sinks as Brits ‘nervously await’ Budget September 20, 2024 Key future indicators of consumer confidence all sharply fell in September as Brits nervously awaited policy announcements in the Autumn Budget, according to fresh data. GfK’s long-running consumer confidence index fell sharply to -20 in September overall, with all measures – including personal finances, economy and purchase intentions – down month-on-month. “Headline consumer confidence has… [...]
Engineer exodus to Saudi is damaging major UK infrastructure projects, HS2 contractor warns September 19, 2024 Egis Group chief Laurent Germain said the number of engineers leaving was creating "a lot of tension" during the recruitment process.
Hawkish Bank of England? Don’t be so sure. September 19, 2024 "The economy has been evolving broadly as we expected," Bailey said. "If that continues, we should be able to reduce rates gradually over time".
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FCA chief encourages more risk-taking among firms to boost financial inclusion September 19, 2024 The chief executive of the Financial Conduct Authority has said more risk-taking among firms is needed to push a "step change" in the UK's financial inclusion, which could also boost economic growth.
Lloyd’s of London names Treasury veteran Charles Roxburgh as chair September 19, 2024 Lloyd's of London has named Treasury veteran Charles Roxburgh as its next chair, taking over one of the City's most prestigious posts from Bruce Carnegie-Brown.
