Buy-to-let market faces tough new rules

Last year’s Autumn Statement saw the introduction of a number of new measures, which could have a significant effect on the booming buy-to-let property market. The Chancellor announced during his speech to the Commons a number of new measures that could affect property investors. Chief among these proposals is the introduction of a three per… Read more…

UK manufacturers concerned as exports decline

The strength of the pound and a weakening global economy is having a significant impact on UK manufacturers, leading to a decline in demand for their goods overseas, according to a new report. The Confederation of British Industry’s (CBI’s) latest study into the state of British manufacturing has revealed that companies in the sector expect… Read more…

Pension savers still in the dark about tax

According to new research, more than half of pension savers are unsure of the tax rules surrounding the pension freedoms introduced earlier this year. A study conducted by employee benefits consultancy Portus found that 53 per cent of retirement savers are unsure about the taxation of pensions, while only 26 per cent were aware that… Read more…

FRC calls for clear year-end reports from smaller firms

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) is calling on smaller listed companies to write concise and understandable year-end reports with clear explanations of how they generate cash flow as well as detailed information about accounting policies. The call is part of the FRC’s year-end advice aimed at 1,200 smaller listed and Alternative Investment Market-quoted companies as… Read more…

HMRC turns attention to ‘affluent’ taxpayers

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has announced that it has doubled the number of inspectors trawling through the tax files of individuals earning £150,000 or more. Until recently, the taxman was mainly investigating ‘high net worth’ individuals – those earning £1 million or more – but now HMRC’s attention has moved to those a little… Read more…

Autumn Statement 2015

Statement Summary For the third time in 2015, the Chancellor of the Exchequer has taken to the despatch box to update the Commons and country as a whole on the state of the nation’s finances. There was a lot of debate ahead of today’s Autumn Statement about the approach that George Osborne would take. Would… Read more…