The UK’s annual inflation rate fell to 6.8% in July, down from 7.9% in June, according to the latest data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS). It is the smallest increase in the cost of living since February 2022. A fall in gas and electricity, as well as a slowing down in the increase… Read more…

The UK is set for five years of lost economic growth, according to research from think tank the National Institute for Economic and Social Research (NIESR). The NIESR said the series of shocks from Brexit, Covid and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine had badly affected the economy. It added that the spending power of workers in… Read more…

More than a third of English households will see higher energy bills this winter than they did last winter, according to research published by the Resolution Foundation. Almost half of those hit by the higher bills will be in the poorest tenth of households, the report said. Ofgem is expected to announce a reduction in… Read more…

HMRC should increase the rewards it pays out to whistleblowers in line with the US system, according to law firm RPC. The tax authority paid out over £509,000 to individuals providing evidence about tax fraud over the past year, RPC’s research found. That figure is up from £495,000 in 2021/22 and a 75% increase from… Read more…

The frozen Savings Allowance combined with rising interest rates will push over one million taxpayers into paying tax on their savings this tax year, according to research by investment platform AJ Bell. In the 2023/24 tax year it is estimated that over 2.7 million individuals will pay tax on interest, up by a million in… Read more…

The government has launched the UK Business Climate Hub to offer firms advice and support on reducing their energy bills and cutting their carbon emissions. The Hub includes a free carbon calculator and a suite of new tools to help businesses measure, track and report on their emissions. It also offers detailed advice on topics,… Read more…

HMRC has published the latest issue of the Employer Bulletin. The August issue has information on various topics, including: tax relief on employee contributions to registered pension schemes ceasing your PAYE scheme the National Minimum Wage helping customers steer clear of tax avoidance schemes income tax self assessment – preparing for the new tax year… Read more…

New company car advisory fuel rates have been published and took effect from 1 September 2023. The guidance states: ‘you can use the previous rates for up to one month from the date the new rates apply’. The rates only apply to employees using a company car. The advisory fuel rates for journeys undertaken on or… Read more…

There are many investment opportunities available for those looking to make some money, particularly in the property sector. However, whilst much of the focus is often placed on long-term residential properties, holiday homes can offer unique benefits.  Considering that “staycations” have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, mainly due to the effects of the pandemic and… Read more…

The voluntary and community sector will be able to apply for grants from HMRC to support their work with taxpayers who need extra assistance with their tax affairs. Eligible organisations need to bid for the funding, worth £1.8 million a year from 2024 until 2027, up from the current annual grant of £1.66 million, through… Read more…