General

Check if you can cash in a Child Trust Fund

HMRC has issued a press release urging 18-23 year olds who have yet to claim their Child Trust Fund (CTF) cash to do so as soon as possible. According to HMRC, over 758,000 young adults in this age group have unclaimed funds, with the average savings

Understanding the tax implications of divorce

When a couple is separating or undergoing divorce proceedings, tax issues are often not the first thing on their minds. However, alongside the emotional challenges, it is important to understand the tax implications of divorce can have a significant

Bank deposit protection limits set to rise

The UK’s financial regulator has proposed an increase to the level of savings protection available under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). If approved, the changes would take effect from 1 December 2025 and will be welcome news for

Beware scams pretending to be HMRC

Fraudsters are continuing to target taxpayers with scam emails as the deadline for submission of self-assessment returns for the 2024-25 tax year gets ever closer. In the 12 months to 31 July 2025, HMRC received more than 170,000 reports of

Budget date announced

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves has confirmed, in a video message, that the next UK Budget will take place on Wednesday, 26 November 2025.

Details of all the Budget announcements will be made on a special section of the GOV.UK website

Using the 159 helpline

If a call from your bank feels suspicious, just hang up and dial 159 to be connected safely to your bank’s fraud team.

The 159 helpline was launched in September 2021. The helpline is designed to help consumers quickly and safely reconnect with

What is Support for Mortgage Interest?

SMI loans can help pay mortgage interest for those on benefits, but repayment is due when the home is sold.

Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) is a government-backed loan provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) designed to assist

Rules to protect effects of debanking

Banks must now give 90 days’ notice before closing accounts, giving customers more time to respond.

Since April 2026, new government rules strengthen protections for individuals and small businesses at risk of unfair bank account closures. Under the

Pre-Budget tax planning – act now

With the next UK Budget approaching, there is speculation about changes to tax rates, allowances, and reliefs. Acting now can help secure current benefits before any new rules take effect.

Key areas to review:

Personal allowances – make sure you

Challenging your Council Tax band

If your property has changed or seems mis-banded, you may have the right to request a Council Tax review.

Properties in England and Wales are assigned Council Tax bands based on their value as of 1 April 1991 (England) or 1 April 2003 (Wales). If

Bank Rate trimmed to 4%

The Bank of England has knocked the main interest rate down to 4% today, cutting it by a quarter‑point from 4.25%. It’s the fifth cut in a year and brings the rate to its lowest since March 2023.

The decision was a close call: the nine‑member

Shared home ownership

Shared home ownership offers a more accessible route to owning a home for those who cannot afford the full deposit or mortgage on a property that suits their needs. Under this scheme, buyers purchase a share of a property, typically between 10% and

The impact of frozen personal allowances

The impact of frozen personal allowances often leads to fiscal drag, a situation where individuals pay more tax as their earnings rise without a corresponding increase in allowances.

This occurs because tax thresholds remain fixed while wages

Autumn Budget 2025: What Changes Might Be on the Horizon?

As we look ahead to the Autumn Budget 2025, it is clear that the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, will be under pressure to balance public expectations with fiscal reality. A combination of reduced growth forecasts, increased borrowing costs, and the

Tax gap estimated at 5.3% for 2023-24

HMRC missed out on £46.8bn in tax last year. Small businesses and Corporation Tax make up the biggest share of the shortfall.

The tax gap for the 2023-24 tax year has been published and is estimated to be 5.3% of total theoretical tax

Winter Fuel Payments reinstated

The government has announced the reinstatement of Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners in England and Wales for winter 2025-26, reversing the previous year’s cuts. Around nine million pensioners are expected to benefit from this decision, with

2025 Spending Review published

The government’s 2025 Spending Review outlines a major funding boost for healthcare, defence, housing, and infrastructure to support long-term recovery and growth.

The 2025 Spending Review was published on 11 June 2025 and outlines the government’s

Effects of Rachel Reeves’ Spending Review

Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her first Spending Review to Parliament last week, setting out the government’s financial priorities for the next three years. Her approach signals a shift away from austerity towards a strategy of state-backed

The value of tax planning for high net worth individuals

For high net worth individuals (HNWIs), tax planning is not simply a compliance activity, it is a strategic tool to preserve and grow wealth. With rising scrutiny from HMRC, frozen allowances, and increasingly complex legislation, the value of

HMRC interest rates following Bank of England rate cut

Following a Bank Rate cut to 4.25%, HMRC late payment and repayment interest rates will drop from 19 and 28 May 2025. Check which taxes this affects.

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met on 8 May and, in a narrow 5-4 vote,

Landmark economic deal with United States

On 8 May 2025, the UK government announced a landmark trade agreement with the United States, aimed at reducing tariffs and bolstering key British industries. This deal is projected to save thousands of jobs, particularly in the automotive and steel

Electronic invoicing consultation

The government wants your say on e-invoicing. Quicker payments, fewer errors, and better VAT reporting are on the table. A 12-week consultation could shape the future.

HMRC and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) jointly launched a 12-week

More in line for savings boost

From April 2025, more low-income workers on Universal Credit can join Help to Save. Save up to £50/month and get a 50% bonus – up to £1,200 over 4 years. A simple way to build your savings.

The eligibility rules for the Help to Save scheme were

Have you set up your Personal Tax Account yet?

Skip the phone queues. Your Personal Tax Account lets you manage everything from tax codes to refunds online. Quick, secure, and all in one place. If you haven’t signed up yet, now’s the time.

Your Personal Tax Account (PTA) is a simple and secure

Repeal of furnished holiday lets regime

From April 2025, holiday lets lose their special tax treatment. Landlords must prepare for new Income, Capital Gains, and Corporation Tax rules. Here’s what’s changing.

The repeal of the Furnished Holiday Lets (FHL) regime, a long-standing

Frozen tax allowances and fiscal drag

Tax thresholds frozen till 2028? That’s fiscal drag in action – more tax paid without rate rises. It’s a stealthy revenue boost for HM Treasury, projected to bring in £38bn a year by 2029. Inflation and pay rises make it worse.

The freezing of tax

HMRC interest rate increases

HMRC has announced that interest rates for late payments will increase by 1.5% for all taxes starting 6 April 2025. This change, which was first announced at Autumn Budget 2024, will raise the late payment interest from the current base rate plus

HMRC time to pay arrangements

If you’re facing financial difficulties and owe tax, HMRC’s Time to Pay service may offer breathing space. From self-assessment to PAYE and VAT, eligible individuals and businesses can spread payments and avoid immediate enforcement.

Businesses and

Applying for student loans

Student Loans help cover the cost of university or college in the UK. Whether you’re full-time, part-time, or heading into postgrad study, here’s what you need to know about applying for 2025-26 funding—even if your plans aren’t final

Time off for jury service

If your employee is called for jury service, you must allow them time off—but you’re not required to pay them. Here’s a clear look at your responsibilities, options, and how to handle disruptions and pay during their absence.

If your staff

Cut in interest rates

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met on 5 February and in a 7-2 vote decided to reduce interest rates by 25 basis points to 4.5%. The two remaining members voted to reduce the rate further to 4.25%. This was the third interest

How to Stop Future Payments on Your Debit or Credit Card

Stopping future payments from being made on your debit or credit card is crucial for avoiding unwanted charges and managing your finances effectively. Here’s how you can do it:

The first step is to contact the company taking the payments. Request

Google to Tackle Fake Reviews Following CMA Investigation

In a significant move to enhance trust in online reviews, Google has agreed to implement substantial changes to combat fake reviews, following an investigation by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). This initiative aims to ensure

Understanding the UK’s Bank Deposit Guarantee Scheme

The UK government offers a robust safety net for savers through the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). This scheme is designed to protect individuals, small businesses, and charities if a bank, building society, or credit union fails,

Debt Management Plan

Navigating financial challenges can be daunting, but understanding the tools available can make a significant difference. One such tool is a Debt Management Plan (DMP), designed to help individuals regain control over their finances.

What is a Debt

Ticket touts’ days are numbered

The UK government has unveiled a series of proposals aimed at curbing exploitative practices in the ticket resale market, seeking to protect consumers from exorbitant prices and enhance transparency in ticket sales.

Key Proposals:

Capping Resale

WASPI claims – apology but no compensation

The UK government has recently addressed the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman’s (PHSO) report concerning the communication of changes to women’s State Pension age. The PHSO identified maladministration by the Department for Work and

New online tax tools for the self-employed

Navigating tax obligations can be daunting for small business owners and sole traders. To make life easier, HMRC has introduced new interactive tools, including a Sole Trader Setup Guide and VAT Registration Estimator, helping businesses understand

Government Forces Water Companies to Double Compensation

The UK government has announced significant reforms to enhance compensation for customers affected by water service failures. Under new regulations, water companies will be mandated to increase compensation payments for issues such as supply

Self-assessment scam warning

Scammers are on the rise as the Self-Assessment deadline nears! HMRC warns that HMRC never emails or texts about tax refunds. Stay alert, report suspicious contacts, and protect your money from fraudsters.

Fraudsters are increasingly targeting

Protect your land and property from fraud

It is important to take the necessary steps to protect your land and property from fraud.

You are at a higher risk if:

Your identity has been stolen
You rent out your property
You live abroad
The property is empty
The property is not

Fuel prices report by Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)

Fuel margins of retailers – the difference between what a retailer pays for its fuel and what it sells at – remain around the high levels seen during the CMA’s road fuel market study.

Supermarket fuel margins increased over the May to August 2024

How Council Tax is calculated

To calculate your Council Tax, you need to know the following:

The valuation band of your property in England, Wales, or Scotland
The amount your local council charges for that band
Whether you qualify for a discount or exemption from the full

What are your concerns?

According to the Office for National Statistics as of October 2024, the primary concerns among individuals in the UK are:

National Health Service (NHS): 85% of adults identified the NHS as a significant issue, reflecting widespread apprehension

Subscription scams

New proposals to crack down on subscription traps, have been unveiled by the Department for Business and Trade as the government launches a consultation on measures to make it easier for consumers to get a refund or cancel unwanted

What is an acceptable pensions income?

Determining an acceptable level of pension income for retirement depends on individual circumstances, including lifestyle expectations, health, and financial commitments. However, several guidelines and studies provide benchmarks to assist in

HMRC promotes its app

HMRC has been busy promoting the benefits of using its app. A new advertising campaign launched by HMRC is targeted at 18 to 34 year olds and showcases how the app can help them with their tax affairs and finances.

HMRC’s free tax app is available

EV or diesel – for and against

When evaluating the annual running costs of electric vehicles (EVs) compared to diesel cars, several key factors come into play: fuel (or electricity) expenses, maintenance, insurance, taxation, and depreciation. Here’s a detailed

Help to Save scheme extended

As part of the recent Budget measures, it has been confirmed that the Help to Save scheme is to be extended by a further 2 years, until April 2027. The last date an account can be opened under the current scheme will be 5 April 2027. Around 517,000

Crackdown on insurance fraud

Insurance companies have united to step up efforts to crack down on fraudsters seeking to manipulate the UK insurance market with bogus claims and duping innocent people into buying fake insurance policies.

In 2023 alone, 84,400 fraudulent claims

Recent speculation on forthcoming Budget

There is unlikely to be much to celebrate when Rachel Reeves delivers her first Budget on the 30th of October.

Speculation is rife regarding the likely targets for tax increases. We have listed a few of the more persistent predictions below. But

New powers for banks to combat fraudsters

Banks will be granted new powers to delay and investigate payments suspected of fraud, enhancing consumer protection against scammers.

Under new laws being proposed by the Government, banks will be able to extend the maximum delay for suspicious

Using the GOV.UK ID Check app

The GOV.UK ID Check app is used to allow applicants to verify their identify when they sign in to a government service with GOV.UK One Login. Once this had been completed satisfactorily, your identity information is automatically saved to your GOV.UK

Chancellor unveils new measures

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has recently introduced a series of new measures aimed at advancing the priorities of the new government. The key announcements include:

New funding for breakfast clubs at 750 schools with primary-aged pupils.
The

Cash in Child Trust Funds

HMRC has issued a press release urging 18-22 year olds who have yet to claim their Child Trust Fund (CTF) cash to do so as soon as possible. According to HMRC, over 670,000 young adults in this age group have unclaimed funds, with the average savings

Setting up a Civil Partnership

Civil Partners enjoy the same tax and other advantages as married couples.

To set up a civil partnership in England or Wales, both partners must be eligible, meaning they are over 18, not already married or in a civil partnership and not closely

Beware fake parking fine texts

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is warning that scammers are sending text messages about fake DVSA parking penalty charges. The text messages warn people that they have a ‘parking penalty charge’, and that if they do not pay on time,

What is fiscal drag?

The freezing of tax thresholds often leads to a phenomenon known as fiscal drag. When tax thresholds remain unchanged, taxpayers will likely pay more tax as their earnings rise without a corresponding increase in allowances. As a result, more people

What is fuel duty?

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has offered the following explanation:

“Fuel duties are levied on purchases of petrol, diesel and a variety of other fuels. They represent a significant source of revenue for government. In 2023-24,

Fraudsters impersonating Insolvency Service staff

The Insolvency Service is a government agency that provides services to those affected by financial distress or failure by seeking to tackle financial wrongdoing and maximising returns to creditors. The Insolvency Service operates as an executive

Ask for advice

Asking your accountant for advice offers a range of benefits, particularly in guiding both business and personal financial decisions. Here are some key advantages:

Expert Financial Guidance

Accountants are trained professionals with deep knowledge

Claiming Child Trust Fund cash

If you turned 18 on or after 1 September 2020, there may be cash waiting for you in a dormant Child Trust Fund (CTF).

If your children recently turned 18 you should check to see if they have claimed the money, to which they are entitled.

Children

Could an interest rate reduction reduce government expenditure?

A 1% reduction in the Bank Rate would reduce the UK government’s annual interest charges on the national debt, but the exact amount of the reduction depends on the proportion of the debt that is sensitive to changes in short-term interest

Negative equity

Negative equity occurs when the value of an asset, typically a property, falls below the outstanding balance on the loan or mortgage secured against it. In other words, the amount owed on the mortgage is greater than the current market value of the

Guidance for charities on managing public disorder

The charity commission has offered the following guidance to charities following the recent public disorder events.

The main points are summarised below:

Are you operating in an area which has seen or is at risk of unrest? If so and you wish to

Road fuel costs still too high

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published an update on the widespread action it is taking to ensure that people can get the best possible choices and prices in the face of ongoing cost of living pressures. New analysis highlights how

Government to deal with £22bn “black hole” in finances

The new Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, delivered her widely anticipated House of Commons statement on 29 July 2024. The Chancellor asserted that the new government has inherited a £22bn hole in the public finances. The Chancellor said

First interest rates cut in over four years

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met on 1 August and in a very close 5-4 vote decided to reduce interest rates by 25 basis points to 5%. The 4 remaining members voted to keep the rate at 5.25%.

This was the first interest rate

Labour win landslide election result

As had been widely predicted, the results at the polls have seen the Labour Party back in power after 14 years in opposition. Labour have swept into power with their second-largest majority whilst the Conservative Party have had their worst ever

New government

Our new government, and in particular, Rachel Reeves, the new Chancellor, will be responsible for raising the funds that our new government requires to finance its activities.

The government has already declared that it will not increase Income Tax,

Child Benefit for 16 – 19 year olds

More than a million parents will receive reminders to extend Child Benefit for their teenagers if they are continuing their education or training after their GCSEs.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is sending more than 1.4 million Child Benefit

Types of HMRC enquiries

HMRC can enquire into any statutory return (or amendment of that return) or statutory claim to check if the return / claim has been prepared correctly or if further information is required.

HMRC’s internal manuals state that there is no statutory

New Brooms

As time passes during the present election campaign, its seems more likely that we may have a change of government from the 5 July.

Labour have disclosed a number of tax changes they would introduce. To summarise they are:

Private school fees

Falling inflation – what does it mean for you?

The following notes are reproduced from a Treasury statement issued 21 May 2024.

Lower inflation supports people by maintaining the purchasing power of their money.

If prices only rise slowly, people can plan their budgets more effectively –

Change

There is a French saying “Plus ca change, plus c’est la meme chose” meaning, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Its interesting to apply this to a change that is about to come about, if, as expected, the Labour Party

New protection for consumers

The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act has become law after receiving Royal Assent.

The Act paves the way to give consumers rights across the UK, with greater control and clarity over online purchases.

It does this by requiring

General election date announced

The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, declared from the steps of Downing Street (on 22 May 2024) that the next general election will take place on 4 July 2024.

The Prime Minister confirmed that he had spoken with His Majesty the King to request the

Benefits of a fall in inflation

An economist from the Treasury explains exactly what a fall in inflation means for you.

How will lower inflation help the economy?

Lower inflation supports people by maintaining the purchasing power of their money.

If prices only rise slowly,

View your annual tax summary

The Annual Tax Summary is a document provided by HMRC that shows details of the tax you pay and how this is used by government.

The Annual Tax Summary shows:

your taxable income from all sources that HMRC knew about at the time that it was

Universal Credit changes

Universal Credit claimants working less than half of a full-time week will have to look to increase their hours but will be able to benefit from extra work coach support. These changes will see 400,000 Universal Credit claimants receive more help to

Childcare funding for under 9-month-olds

In a recent press release the Department for Education confirmed that parents of children from 9 months old can now apply to access government-funded childcare from September 2024, as England’s largest ever childcare expansion continues.

From 12 May

Act now to claim dormant funds

The Ministry of Justice has published an urgent warning for anyone with unclaimed dormant funds held by the Courts Funds Office (CFO). Recent changes in legislation have changed the rules for individuals or entities with dormant funds held by the

Cyber protection laws introduced

New consumer protections against hacking and cyber-attacks came into force at the end of April 2024. All internet connected smart devices will be required by law to meet minimum-security standards.

Manufacturers will be legally required to protect

Post Office Offences Bill to be extended

The Government has tabled amendments to expand the territorial extent of the Post Office Offences Bill. Convictions resulting from the Post Office Horizon scandal in Northern Ireland will now be within scope.

This blanket exoneration will

Do’s and don’ts for Standard Visitors to the UK

There is useful guidance published on GOV.UK that explains the do’s and don’ts for Standard Visitors to the UK. Visitors to the UK who are classed as a ‘Standard Visitor’ are allowed in the UK for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months) and

Tipping boost

The government’s Tipping Act is a step closer to coming into force, as the Code of Practice is published and laid before Parliament. The new Code of Practice will protect the tips of more than 2 million workers giving them a fair share of the tips

Smart energy

In a recent press release, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero confirmed that consumers are set to benefit from cheaper and more convenient energy deals as part of new measures to create a smart, flexible electricity system to help save

View and prove your immigration status

A UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account can be used by eligible users to view and prove their immigration status online. This may be required to provide proof of your status to employers or higher education providers.

The service can also be used

Accessing the HMRC mobile APP

HMRC’s free tax app is available to download from the App Store for iOS and from the Google Play Store for Android. The latest version of the app includes updated functionality.

The app can be used to see:

your tax code and National Insurance

HMRC continues to target till fraud

HMRC has, for many years, looked to target businesses that deliberately undertake electronic sales suppression (ESS). ESS happens where a business deliberately manipulates its electronic sales records in order to hide or reduce the value of

Measures to support household budgets from 1 April

In a recent press release the government confirmed the following policies to support household incomes from 1 April 2024.

The National Living Wage has officially risen from £10.42 an hour to £11.44. This marks a £1,800 annual boost to full-time

HMRC helpline changes on hold

HMRC has been forced into an embarrassing climbdown on plans to close the Self-Assessment, VAT and PAYE helplines from early April until September this year. HMRC has now confirmed that these helpline changes have been abandoned following feedback

HMRC to accept service of legal proceedings by email

HMRC has issued an updated ‘news story’ to confirm that, where possible, new legal proceedings and pre-action letters can be served on the department using email instead of post. This measure was originally introduced in April 2020 in response to the

Tech companies assist with fuel price transparency

Leaders from top comparison sites, RAC and The AA will be among those meeting the Energy Affordability Minister to help share new fuel price data and keep costs down for motorists.

Price comparison sites and map apps will have access to this new

Appeals against tax penalties

It is not unusual for taxpayers to find themselves in a position where they disagree with a tax decision issued by HMRC. There are a number of different options open to taxpayers seeking to use the review and appeals process.

Note, that there is a

Beware fake tax rebate offers

HMRC continues to warn of the ever-present problem of fraudulent phishing emails, suspicious phone calls and texts. These unwanted emails, phone calls and texts are being sent from around the world as HMRC and other agencies continue to combat the

Are you self-employed?

Self-employed taxpayers should notify HMRC as soon as practicable when they begin working for themselves. HMRC must be officially notified by 5 October following the end of the tax year so that a self-assessment return can be issued on time and to

Autumn Finance Bill 2023 update

The government published the Autumn Finance Bill 2023 on 29 November 2023. The Bill is officially known as Finance Bill 2023-24. The Bill contains the legislation for many of the tax measures announced in the recent Autumn Statement.

The Bill has

The Valuation Office Agency tackles holiday lets

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is writing to some owners of self-catering holiday lets that are assessed for business rates. They are doing this because they need further information about the income and expenditure of these properties.

Last

Government promotes electric vehicles

The government department active in the promotion of electric vehicles has published guidance regarding the costs, charging issues and infrastructure. We have extracted a few comments and reproduced them in this post.

Buying an electric

Government launches new WhatsApp channel

The Government has launched a new account on WhatsApp Channels, allowing members of the public to subscribe to receive important updates to their phones.

As a trusted, verified account the UK Government channel will focus on reiterating important

Spring Budget 2024

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt has confirmed that the next UK Budget will take place on Wednesday, 6 March 2024. This will be the Chancellor’s second Budget and will include the government’s tax and spending plans as well as new growth

Scottish Budget 2024-25

Scotland’s Deputy First Minister and Finance Secretary, Shona Robison delivered her first Budget statement to the Scottish parliament on 19 December 2023.

The Finance Secretary said that the ‘Managing the cumulative impacts of the UK Government’s

Welsh Budget 2024-25

The Welsh draft Budget for 2024-25 was published on 19 December 2023. The Budget sets out the Welsh government’s revenue and capital spending proposals, including detailed portfolio spending plans.

There have been no changes announced to the Welsh

Obtaining the HMRC mobile app

HMRC’s free tax app is available to download from the App Store for iOS and from the Google Play Store for Android. The latest version of the app includes some updated functionality to update your name, save your National Insurance number to your

Planning changes to boost solar rollout

Homes and businesses will be able to install rooftop solar panels more easily, under new rules that were recently announced.

Changes to permitted development rights rules will mean more homeowners and businesses will be able to install solar panels

What data do organisations hold about you?

If you are concerned that an organisation is holding personal information you have a legal right to ask for a copy of the information that they hold about you.

If it is a public organisation, write to their Data Protection Officer (DPO). Their

Autumn Finance Bill 2023 published

The government published the Autumn Finance Bill 2023 on 29 November 2023. The Bill is officially known as Finance Bill 2023-24. The Bill contains the legislation for many of the tax measures announced in the recent Autumn Statement.

The Autumn

Autumn Statement Summary

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, has delivered his Autumn Statement to the House of Commons. The government continues to be faced with challenging economic conditions as the cost of living crisis continues to affect many families across

Fuel price watchdog sharpens its teeth

UK motorists will be protected at the pumps under tough new powers that will shine a light on any attempt from retailers to unfairly hike up fuel prices.

Under new amendments tabled on 15 November 2023, to the Digital Markets, Competition &

Cost of living payments

You may have been entitled to a Cost of Living Payments of £301 (paid April/May 2023) and should be about to receive £300 (payable early November 2023) and a further £299 due spring 2024. Payments are limited to persons claiming the following

Paying tax by direct debit

One of the many ways that payments can be made to HMRC is by using a direct debit. The direct debit can be set up online.

You can pay your tax bill using direct debit if you have an online account with HMRC for:

Self-assessment
Employers’ PAYE

Scottish council tax frozen

Humza Yousaf, Scotland’s First Minister, has announced that council tax rates will be frozen in the next financial year to support people struggling with the effects of high inflation.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said that the:

“Announcement

Cost of Living payments 2023-24 support

The Cost of Living support package has been designed to help over 8 million households in receipt of means tested benefits. The details for Cost of Living Payments due in the 2023-24 tax year were published earlier this year and have recently been

Have you downloaded your HMRC app?

HMRC’s free tax app is available to download from the App Store for iOS and from the Google Play Store for Android. The latest version of the app includes updated functionality to check your Child Benefit and State Pension, set a reminder to make a

Reforms to powers of attorney

These legal agreements enable a person to grant decision making powers about their care, treatment or financial affairs to another person if they lose mental capacity.

The Powers of Attorney Act fires the starting gun on bringing the existing

Bank deposits covered by FSCS

Your eligible deposits with all High Street bank are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).

The present limit of this FSCS guarantee is £85,000 and this applies to total deposits held at a bank, not per account with a

National Living Wage potential boost

The government looks likely to accept the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission with a boost to the National Living Wage rate.

In summary:

National Living Wage will rise to two-thirds of average earnings.
Chancellor commits to Low Pay

Unclaimed Child Trust Fund Accounts

HMRC has published their latest statistics on Child Trust Funds (CTFs) that reveal that whilst around 500,000 accounts have now matured, there remains some 430,000 funds that have matured but remain unclaimed.

If you turned 18 on or after 1

Community Investment Tax Relief scheme

The Community Investment Tax Relief (CITR) scheme is designed to encourage investment in accredited Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs). The tax relief under the scheme is available to both individuals and companies.

CDFIs may take a

Paying tax by debit card or business credit card

It is possible to pay HMRC by corporate credit card or corporate debit cards. The use of these cards is subject to a fee. Payment by personal debit cards is currently fee-free. There is also no charge for payment by Direct Debit, bank transfer or

Autumn Statement 2023

The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, has announced that he will deliver his Autumn Statement to the House of Commons on Wednesday, 22 November 2023. This move would imply that the annual Budget will not take place until the spring of 2024.

The Autumn

Clampdown on fake reviews and hidden fees

The Department for Business and Trade published the following announcement, that if implemented, should reduce the present trend to publish fake reviews and charge hidden fees at point of sale. The overall aim is to help consumers cut the cost of

Back to school – help with childcare costs

As children return to school after the summer break, HMRC is reminding parents that they may be eligible to use the Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) scheme to help pay for any approved childcare.

The TFC scheme can help parents of children aged up to 11

Access to cash to be protected

Recognising the need to maintain access to cash withdrawal facilities, the government is stepping in to set out a new access standard in the UK.

The vast majority of people and businesses are set to be no further than three miles away from

Scottish charities regulations

Charities in Scotland are regulated by an independent body. This body is called the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). The OSCR is the regulator and registrar for over 25,000 Scottish charities including community groups, religious

HMRC increases interest rates again

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met on 2 August 2023 and voted 6-3 in favour of raising interest rates by 25 basis points to 5.25% in a move to further contain inflation. One member of the MPC voted to keep the rate at 5% whilst

Being made bankrupt

The bankruptcy process applies to people living in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. There is a separate process known as sequestration in Scotland. Bankruptcy is a form of insolvency and is normally only suitable for those people who are unable to

The end of scam calls selling financial products?

Are we about to see the end of phone calls selling sham financial products?

An 8-week consultation by the Home Office and other government departments is aiming to do just this.

The consultation, published on 2 August, covers proposals to ban cold

Gambling white paper reforms

A public consultation process has been launched to look at how to conduct financial risk checks for problem gambling and at what level stake limits should be set for people playing online slot games.

The move is the next step of the Government’s

Draft legislation published for Finance Bill 2023-24

Legislation Day (L-Day), 18 July 2023, was the date when the government published the draft legislation for Finance Bill 2023-24. This Finance Bill will be colloquially referred to as Finance Bill 2024. Alongside the publication of the draft

HMRC pledges £5.5m in partnership funding

HMRC is awarding £5.5 million to voluntary and community organisations to support customers who may need extra help with their tax affairs.

HMRC is inviting eligible organisations to bid for the funding, worth £1.8 million a year from 2024 until

HMRC increases interest rates

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met on 21 June 2023 and voted 7-2 in favour of raising interest rates by 50 basis points to 5% to continue to tackle inflation. The 2 remaining members voted to keep the rate at 4.5%. This is the

Duty free limits if you are travelling abroad

If you are travelling from outside the UK and arriving home in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland), you are allowed to bring back the following goods for your own use without any UK tax or duty liabilities.

200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos

Check when to expect reply from HMRC

HMRC has a useful online tool to help agents and taxpayers know when they can expect to receive a reply from HMRC regarding a query or request that they have made. The online tool is updated weekly.

The online tool has recently been extended to

Passport delays and applications

A recent investigation by the House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts, in connection with the UK passport office, has found that hundreds of thousands of applicants faced unacceptable delays in receiving their passports.

Following the removal

Complexity may be double-edged sword

There does seem to be a trend to replace human interactions with automated AI systems. This is especially evident in the management of our tax system.

There was a time, many years ago, when each taxpayer’s tax affairs would be managed by a local tax

New patents service

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is the official UK government body responsible for intellectual property (IP) rights including patents, designs, trade marks and copyright.

The process of applying for a patent is set to change significantly

Action to contain cost of living pressures – groceries

The Competition & Markets Authority has issued an update on the action it is taking to ease price rises in grocery bills. In their press release issued on 15 May 2023, the CMA said:

As cost of living pressures have grown, the CMA has been

HMRC interest rates increase again

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met on 10 May 2023 and voted 7-2 in favour of raising interest rates by 25 basis points to 4.5% in a move to try and continue to tackle continued inflation. This is the twelfth consecutive time

Simplified tax system for savers

The government has announced a number of new measures to help millions of people boost their future savings. One of these measures is a simplification of the Help to Save scheme.

The Help to Save scheme was launched by the government in September

New Bill to crack down on online fraud

New legislation aimed at cracking down on rip-offs, protecting consumer cash online and boosting competition in digital markets has been published.

The new far-reaching Bill will have the following headline benefits:

New powers aimed at boosting

Paying tax by credit or debit card

HMRC has not accepted personal credit card payments since January 2018 when credit card surcharges on personal credit cards were banned.

However, HMRC continues to accept payments by corporate credit card or corporate debit cards. The use of these

Scottish government announces new childcare initiatives

Scotland’s new First Minister Humza Yousaf has announced a new £15 million investment to help tackle child poverty. This investment will see thousands more low-income families benefit from free school age childcare.

Existing services for eligible

Bank of England and HMRC increase interest rates

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met on 22 March 2023 and voted 7-2 in favour of raising interest rates by 25 basis points to 4.25% in a move to tackle continued, rising inflation. This is the eleventh time the MPC has increased

Spring Finance Bill published

The government published the Spring Finance Bill 2023 on 23 March 2023. The Bill is officially known as the Finance (No 2) Bill, because it is the second Finance Bill of the 2022-23 Parliamentary session. The Bill contains the legislation for many of

Scottish Parliament approves 3% rent cap

The Scottish Parliament has approved a new 3% rent cap for most private renters that will come into effect from 1 April 2023 for an initial six-month period with the option to extend for another six-month period if required.

These changes follow a

Spring Budget 2023 – Energy Price Guarantee

The Chancellor had previously announced that the energy price guarantee cap, which will see the average household have their energy bills capped at £2,500 a year, would remain in place until the 31 March 2023. It was announced as part of the Spring

Scottish Winter Payments Support

The Scottish Winter Heating Payment is a new Scottish Government benefit that replaces the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Cold Weather Payment. It can be claimed by eligible claimants on low incomes living in Scotland from 1 November 2022.

Bereavement Support Payment

The amount of Bereavement Support Payment you can claim will depend on your relationship to the person who died and when you make your claim.

Your payments will be paid into your bank, building society or credit union account.

If you were married

The digital pound

A new consultation has been published jointly by HM Treasury and the Bank of England to consider the launch of a potential digital pound, or central bank digital currency (CBDC). The possible new digital pound has also been referred to as ‘digital

Balancing your budget

Homeowners and landlords will have seen a significant increase in their mortgage payments due to the rise in the Bank of England Base rate over the past 6-months if any fixed rate agreements have expired in this period or if you have a variable rate

Passport fee increase

The government introduced new passport fees for all applications from 2 February 2023, the first time in 5 years that the cost of applying for a passport has increased.

The new fees include the following changes:

the fee for a standard online

Late tax payment interest rate rise

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met on 2 February 2023 and voted 6-3 in favour of raising interest rates by 50 basis points to 4% in a move to try and continue to tackle upward pressures on inflation. This is the tenth time in a

Scottish Child Payment

The Scottish Child Payment increased to £25 per week from 14 November 2022. The payment is available to qualifying applicants living in Scotland for children under the age of 16. The Scottish Child Payment was launched in February 2021, initially for

New laws to mitigate disruption during public service strikes

Working people across the UK will be protected from disruptive strikes thanks to new laws introduced recently. They will allow employers in critical public sectors to maintain minimum levels of service during strikes.

The government is introducing

HMRC interest rate changes

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met on 15 December 2022 and voted 6-3 in favour of raising interest rates by 50 basis points to 3.5% in a move to try and continue to tackle upward pressures on inflation. This is the ninth time

Budget date 2023 announced

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt has confirmed, in a written statement, that the next UK Budget will take place on Wednesday, 15 March 2023. This will technically be the Chancellor’s first Budget although his Autumn Statement to the House

Mortgage payment support

The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, recently hosted a meeting at 11 Downing Street to discuss what help may be available to support homeowners who encounter problems paying their mortgage. The meeting was attended by leaders of the UK’s major mortgage

Use HMRC’s tax app to save time

A free HMRC tax app is available and offers some useful functionality. In fact, in the 12 months up to October 2022, HMRC received almost 3 million calls from people asking for information that is now readily available on the app.

This

Low-cost broadband and phone tariffs

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) has published a new press release to confirm that they have been working together with internet service providers to deliver low-cost broadband and phone packages called social

Autumn Finance Bill published

The government published the Autumn Finance Bill 2022 on 22 November 2022. The Bill is officially known as Finance Bill 2022-23. The Bill contains the legislation for many of the tax measures announced in the recent Autumn Statement.

The Autumn

Fiscal drag

You may have encountered this phrase, fiscal drag, in recent weeks, particularly if following the Autumn Statement announcements last week.

A large part of Chancellor Hunt’s announcements confirmed that rates and allowances for Income Tax are to be

Autumn Statement Summary

The new Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, has delivered his Autumn Statement to the House of Commons against a backdrop of a worsening cost of living crisis and with confirmation from the Office for Budget Responsibility OBR that the UK has

HMRC interest rate changes

Following the recent increase in the Bank of England base rate from 2.25% to 3% HMRC has confirmed there will be changes to the rates of interest they charge.

The BoE’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted 7-2 in favour of raising interest rates

SA taxpayers target for fraudsters

Fraudsters are continuing to target taxpayers with scam emails in advance of the deadline for submission of Self-Assessment returns for the 2021-22 tax year. In fact, in the 12 months to August 2022, HMRC received more than 180,000 reports of

Chancellor statements – 17 October 2022

The new Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, was only appointed on Friday 14 October 2022. However, following another turbulent weekend, the Chancellor made not one but two important statements on 17 October 2022 about the future of the economy.

Prime Minister’s statement – 14 October 2022

The Prime Minister, Liz Truss delivered a hastily arranged press conference on Friday 14 October. At the press conference, the Prime Minister confirmed that she had sacked the Chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng after less than six weeks in office. This was

Claiming Child Trust Fund cash

If you turned 18 on or after 1 September 2020 there may be cash waiting for you in a dormant Child Trust Fund (CTF). If your children recently turned 18 you should also check if they have claimed the money to which they are entitled. The actual

Government U-turn on 45p tax rate

The Chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng has announced plans to scrap the proposed removal of the 45p tax rate from April 2023. The proposed removal of the 45p Rate was first announced as part of the Growth Plan measures on 23 September 2022. However, the

New Chancellor’s approach to economic priorities

The new Chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng, recently met in London with various market and city leaders to set out the Prime Minister’s new, pro-growth economic approach.

The new approach focuses on providing immediate support for families and businesses to

Land Registry Property Alerts

HM Land Registry’s property alert service is a free service to help protect property owners from fraud. The counter-fraud security measure was introduced by the Land Registry to monitor registered properties where there is a concern that it might be

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral

It has been confirmed that the date of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral will be Monday, 19 September 2022 following 10-days of national mourning. King Charles III approved an order that the day of the Queen’s funeral will be a national

Tackling the cost-of-living crisis

The new Prime Minister, Liz Truss has, as promised, sought to tackle the cost-of-living crisis in her first few days in office. She is the fourth Conservative Prime Minister to govern the UK in a little over six years. The government has seen many

Help for Households campaign

The new Chancellor, Nadhim Zahawi, has visited a school holiday club in London where he committed to continuing to help families with increases in the cost of living. The visit shone a light on the government’s Help for Households Campaign after a

Contacting HMRC by email

HMRC has published a new guidance titled ‘Corresponding with HMRC by email’. The guidance was published on 9 August 2022 and explains some of the risk factors associated with contacting HMRC in this way. HMRC suggests that the information contained

Reminder that the plug-in grant has ended

The government plug-in grant was first introduced 11 years ago to help drivers make the move to owning an electric car. Since the scheme was introduced the amount of the grant available reduced significantly as did the range of cars to which the

Reminder of compensation limits for bank deposits

The bank deposit guarantee limit is the amount of money that is guaranteed for savers in UK banks and building societies should the institution become insolvent. The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) guaranteed amount is currently £85,000

Duty free limits if you are travelling abroad

Here is a reminder of any duty payable and tax-free allowances if travelling abroad this summer.

If you are travelling from outside the UK and arriving home in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland), you are allowed to bring the following back

NIC threshold increased

In the Spring Statement earlier this year, the then Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, announced an NIC tax-cut to take effect from 6 July 2022. This change sees the National Insurance threshold increased from £9,880 to £12,570. This increase means that the

Changes at HM Treasury

Last week saw the resignation of the previous Chancellor Rishi Sunak from the Government. The previous Chancellor said he could no longer continue in his role in good conscience.

The Prime Minister almost immediately sought to fill this role and

Old style £20 and £50 notes

The Bank of England will be withdrawing legal tender status of paper £20 and £50 banknotes after 30 September 2022. This means that if you have any old £20 or £50 notes you should use them or deposit them at your bank or Post Office by the end of

Potential tax demand scam

The Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) is a well-known organisation that provides independent advice to the government on simplifying the UK tax system.

The OTS has issued a press release to warn of a potential new tax scam that is using the OTS

Concerns about tax repayment agents

HMRC has launched a new consultation seeking views on proposed measures to address consumer protection issues for people who claim tax refunds through repayment agents. The 12-week consultation period started on 22 June and will end on 14 September

Claiming Child Trust Fund cash

HMRC has published their latest statistics on Child Trust Funds which reveal that whilst 320,000 accounts have now matured, 175,000 funds that have matured remain unclaimed.

If you turned 18 on or after 1 September 2020 there may be cash waiting for

New deal for private renters

The government has announced their intention to fundamentally reform the private rented sector marking the biggest shake up of the private rented sector in 30 years. These measures are set to include a ban on section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions and

Reform of Consumer Credit Act

The government has announced new plans to modernise consumer credit laws to cut costs for businesses and simplify rules for consumers. This will see major reforms to the Consumer Credit Act that regulates credit card purchases and personal loans. A

What is tax avoidance?

There is a distinction to be drawn between tax avoidance and tax evasion. Tax evasion is illegal and describes a situation where someone acts to deliberately evade tax. This could include deliberately submitting false tax returns, falsely claiming

Till fraud targeted by HMRC

In the Autumn Budget 2018, the government announced that they would launch a call for evidence to learn more about the nature and scale of till fraud. This specifically looked at businesses that deliberately undertake electronic sales suppression

HMRC advice to counter spoof emails or texts

HMRC continues to warn of the ever-present problem of fraudulent phishing emails, suspicious phone calls and texts. These unwanted emails, phone calls and texts are being sent from all around the world and the fraudsters are continuing to find new

New measures to help with the cost-of-living crisis

As expected, the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak has announced a new package of support measures in a statement to the House of Commons on 26 May 2022. The measures will be targeted to the most vulnerable members of society in a total package of measures

UK Infrastructure Bank set-up

The UK Infrastructure Bank Bill, announced as part of the measures in the Queen’s speech, represents the final step in setting up the UK Infrastructure Bank as an operationally independent institution. The new Bank officially opened for business in

Access to cash protection increased

The new Financial Services and Markets Bill, announced as part of the Queen’s speech, will provide increased protections for those still dealing with cash. Access to cash remains vital for many people across the UK, including the more vulnerable in

Tax benefits of switching to electric cars

There are many benefits to encourage the use of electric cars including lower running costs, the environmental advantages and reduced noise pollution. There are also tax benefits to encourage the purchase of electric cars.

We have listed some of

Accountancy expenses arising out of an enquiry

HMRC’s internal manual offer some revealing insights as to the treatment of accountancy expenses arising out of an enquiry. As a matter of course, HMRC allows companies to claim a tax deduction for normal accountancy expenses incurred in preparing

Get help with childcare costs for Easter

As the Easter holiday approaches, HMRC is reminding parents that they may be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) to help pay for regulated childcare, including holiday clubs and other out-of-school activities.

The TFC scheme can help parents of

Rural pubs community funding

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has published the list of successful bidders from the reopening of the first round of the Community Ownership Funding. This brings the total level of funding in the first round to almost £8m.

Scammers target Self-Assessment taxpayers

Fraudsters are continuing to target taxpayers with scam emails, texts and calls following the deadline for submission of Self-Assessment returns for 2020-21. In fact, over the last year, HMRC received more than 570,000 reports about suspicious HMRC

Transferring assets during separation and divorce

When a couple separate or divorce it is unlikely that they are thinking about any tax implications. However, apart from the emotional stress, there are also tax issues that can have significant implications.

For example, when a couple are together

Latest on COVID restrictions in England

The government has published its latest guidance on COVID restrictions and specifically on the new phase we have entered of ‘Living with COVID-19’. This has effectively moved the country into a new phase of living with COVID and marked the end of

Challenging your council tax band

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is a government body in England and Wales and an executive agency of HMRC. The Agency values properties for the purpose of Council Tax and for non-domestic rates in England and Wales. The council tax bands were set

Beware online rip-offs

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a new campaign to help shoppers spot and avoid misleading online practices that could result in them being ripped off.

If the campaign identifies any commercial practices that adversely affect

Support with rising energy bills

The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak delivered a statement to the House of Commons on 3 February 2022 announcing a number of measures to help people cope with fast rising energy costs.

Record increases will see a 54% jump in the energy price cap from 1 April

Extending MTD for Income Tax to businesses and landlords

The introduction of Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax Self-Assessment (ITSA) is now set to commence from April 2024. MTD for ITSA will fundamentally change the way businesses, the self-employed and landlords interact with HMRC. The regime will

HMRC “sweetheart” deals

HMRC has issued an interesting press release stating that ‘Fact: HMRC does not do ‘sweetheart deals’. HMRC makes sure every taxpayer, no matter what their size, pays everything they owe.’

This denial could be in response to many claims that have

HMRC fraud squad net £1bn from criminals

HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) was launched in April 2016. The FIS is responsible for HMRC’s civil and criminal investigations into the most serious fraud and wrongdoing. It has been estimated that tax evasion and fraud cost the exchequer

Beware online sales scams

A new government press release has been issued reminding the public that online sales scams continue to be a major issue. In fact, 2021 saw a record number of cyber-attacks and online scams.

Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and

Plug-in grants for electric vehicles

The government has announced significant changes to the low-emission vehicles plug-in grant scheme. The changes became effective on 15 December 2021. The changes have been introduced in response to soaring demand for electric vehicles and to help

BOE advises government on inflation hike to 5.1%

The current Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak. The letter was dated 16 December 2021 and has been uploaded to GOV.UK. The correspondence related to the recently published

The judgement in HMRC v Tooth

A recent Supreme Court decision examined in some detail HMRC’s powers in relation to issuing a discovery assessment. HMRC generally use discovery assessments where the statutory time limit for looking into a return has expired.

If certain conditions

Plug-in grants for electric vehicles

The low-emission vehicles plug-in grant can help you save up to £2,500 on the purchase price of new low-emission vehicles. The scheme was first launched in 2011 and is available across the UK with dealers using the grant towards the price of eligible

Government agrees OTS recommendations

The Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) was established in July 2010, to provide advice to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on simplifying the UK tax system. The Financial Secretary to the Treasury has recently written an extensive letter to the OTS

Steps to modernise UK tax system

At the Autumn Budget 2021, it was announced that there would be a dedicated day this Autumn where the government would set out further plans to continue building a modern, simple and effective tax system. This ‘day’ was on 30 November 2021, and

New warnings from HMRC re tax fraudsters

Fraudsters are continuing to target taxpayers with scam emails in advance of the 31 January 2022 deadline for submission of Self-Assessment returns. In fact, over the last year, HMRC received nearly 360,000 reports about bogus tax rebate referrals.

If clients ask – trading hours for retailers

There are special rules that govern the trading hours that certain retailers must follow on a Sunday. These rules are defined in the Sunday Trading Act 1994 and apply to shops in England and Wales. The Act restricts the trading hours for retailers

Vehicles exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty

Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), also commonly referred to as vehicle tax, is an annual tax levied on owners of most cars, vans, motorcycles, and holders of motorcycle trade licences.

There are certain VED exemptions and discounts for people who suffer

Vehicles eligible for a plug-in grant

The low-emission vehicles plug-in grant can help you save up to £2,500 on the purchase price of new low-emission vehicles. The scheme was first launched in 2011 and is available across the UK with dealers using the grant towards the price of eligible

New self-build initiative

In a surprise weekend announcement, the Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has revealed new plans for £150 million of funding to make it easier and more affordable for people to build their own homes.

The new “Help to Build” low deposit

Property repossessions from 1 April 2021

There have been a significant number of measures introduced to help those experiencing financial

Lockdown changes 12 April 2021

Even the unseasonably cold weather does not seem to have stopped people in England getting their first taste

Government to publish range of tax consultations

In a recent HM Treasury press release it has been confirmed that the government will publish a number of

HMRC crackdown on avoidance schemes

HMRC and the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) have come together to jointly target misleading

Beware requests from bogus charities

It has been estimated that almost £350,000 of charitable donations last year ended up in the pockets of

Beware tax deadline scammers

Fraudsters are continuing to target taxpayers with scam emails in advance of the 31 January deadline for

Spending Review 2021/22

The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak delivered the government’s spending plans for the coming year to Parliament

Scottish Budget 2021

Scotland’s Finance Secretary, Kate Forbes, has announced that the Scottish Government’s Budget will be

Protection for landlords and tenants

The government guidance for landlords and tenants as a result of the coronavirus pandemic has been

Further support for mortgage borrowers

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced new proposals to ensure that lenders provide tailored