The progressives are cheating in the argument against Donald Trump’s tax cuts October 17, 2017 Has anyone noticed how “tax cuts for the rich” has become a moniker for all and every income tax cut? When the Conservatives dropped the top rate of income tax from 50p to 45p, that was predictably lambasted as a tax cut for the rich. George Osborne’s promise to raise the starting threshold for the [...]
Autumn Budget 2017: Treasury understood not to be planning “radical” Budget October 16, 2017 Chancellor Philip Hammond might be coming under pressure to unveil a “radical” – and vote-winning – Budget, but anyone expecting “big, bold” announcements could yet be disappointed. Hammond, who has in the past said “fiscal” is the best word to describe him, is currently canvassing the opinion of hundreds of MPs and other groups, sifting through thousands of submissions [...]
Look to Milton Keynes for the solution to the housing crisis October 16, 2017 If asked what the greatest achievement of the British government over the last 50 years was, people will give a wide range of answers. Perhaps Margaret Thatcher’s Right to Buy policy would get your vote, or maybe joining (or now leaving) the EU. I doubt many would give you the following answer however: Milton Keynes. [...]
Budget 2017: Philip Hammond mulling tax cuts for the young paid for by slashing pension tax reliefs October 15, 2017 Chancellor Philip Hammond is planning a “big, bold” Budget with plenty of items aimed at pleasing young people, in a bid to win some of the youth vote back from Labour. A Treasury source confirmed to City A.M. that Hammond has been seeking advice on addressing intergenerational fairness, with a focus on taxes. Among his [...]
Loving Vincent film review: An astonishing artistic achievement that’s so overwhelming it borders on psychedelic October 13, 2017 Van Gogh’s paintings have long served as inspiration for animators. I’ve wandered through virtual reality versions of his Paris bars, the lights glowing with distinctive halos, and various filmmakers have attempted to realise the movement implied by the painter’s brush strokes. But Loving Vincent does it on a whole other level. It’s a labour of [...]
University challenge: The £50,000 question October 11, 2017 The new university term is now in full swing, and you might be relieved that your child is on their way to becoming a fully-fledged adult. But for many young people and their parents, university doesn’t quite bring the independence they expect. Tuition fees have gone through the roof, with most British students now forking [...]
Global progress on gender equality ‘far too slow’ says the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) report October 4, 2017 Rich countries are still making slow progress when it comes to reducing gaps in income between men and women over the past five years, according to a report out today from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Since the last report carried out in 2012, many of the OECD’s 35 countries have prioritised [...]
Three alternative top tips for new (and old) investors October 4, 2017 September is the month when cohorts of fresh-faced young graduates descend upon the City of London to begin careers as professional investors – usually as analysts charged with coming up with stock ideas for portfolio managers. Schroders' Value Perspective team offers three pieces of advice that, while important, are unlikely to have been mentioned in [...]
Swedish design creatives in Malmo and the surrounding Skane region are challenging Stockholm for the crown October 2, 2017 For ancient history buffs, it’s Rome or Stonehenge; for foodies, it’s Le Marais or Tuscany; for design nerds, home is Sweden. There’s something about its laidback charm, its rustic, uncluttered décor that’s universally appealing. But there’s a feeling that its capital, Stockholm, has lost a little of its moxie. Sky-high property prices and an ultra [...]
Barratt, Persimmon, Taylor Wimpey and Berkeley share prices are on the up as Theresa May’s Help to Buy October 2, 2017 What happens when you promise £10bn to help young people buy a home? The companies building houses get a boost. Shares in housebuilders are on the up this morning and among some of the biggest FTSE 100 risers after Prime Minister Theresa May promised the fresh cash for the Help to Buy scheme. Barratt Development [...]