Businesses ‘cautious’ about the future as tax fears dominate, survey shows October 9, 2024 This was the first time in a year that business confidence had decreased, although the ICAEW noted that confidence was still double the pre-pandemic average.
Americans do it better (investing, that is) October 9, 2024 British companies are often accountable to passive shareholders, such as pension funds, leading to risk aversion and short-termism. The US invests differently, with much better results, says Tom Focas The UK economy is in dire need of a rejuvenation. Growth is still stagnating, productivity lags behind global competitors, and industries that once anchored the nation’s [...]
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 [...]
Record number of millionaires to leave UK as top academics join calls for exit tax October 8, 2024 The UK is set to lose the greatest proportion of millionaires in the world in the next four years, new analysis suggests, as a group of respected academics joined growing calls for Rachel Reeves to introduce an exit tax at the upcoming Budget. The Adam Smith Institute’s (ASI) Millionaire Tracker – a new initiative from [...]
UK house prices rise for third straight month ahead of Budget October 7, 2024 House prices rose for the third consecutive month in September, taking the average price of a property to the highest level in more than two years. House prices increased by 0.3 per cent month on month in September, and 4.7 per cent year on year. The average property now costs £293,399 – compared to £292,540 [...]
Budget: Rachel Reeves set to drop pensions tax raid plans, per report October 7, 2024 Rachel Reeves is reportedly set to drop plans for a tax raid on pensions over fears it could unfairly affect public sector workers. The Chancellor has been warned that a scheme to reduce the 40 per cent tax relief on higher earners could disproportionately impact teachers and nurses, the Times reported. Treasury officials told Reeves [...]
Employee Ownership Trusts surge as entrepreneurs seek tax-friendly exits October 7, 2024 The number of UK businesses transferring ownership to employees through Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) as business owners seek to preserve their company's ethos.
Growth set to return but fears persist ahead of budget October 7, 2024 City economists expect figures published on Friday to confirm that the UK grew 0.2 per cent in August, having been stagnant for the two months prior.
IFS joins calls for ‘serious reform’ of capital gains tax October 6, 2024 Rachel Reeves is reportedly considering a range of tax hikes in the budget, including to CGT, as she seeks to put the public finances on surer footing.