The House of Commons Treasury Committee has published a critical report on the operation of student loans. Earlier this year the Department for Education (DfE) announced a 6% interest cap on Plan 2 student loans for one year from September 2026. The DfE press release...
The law in England and Wales is moving a step closer to treating married and unmarried couples in a similar way. “Over 3.5 million couples live together without getting married or entering a civil partnership, a number that has more than doubled over the past three...
New research from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has placed an uncomfortably large figure on the estimated amount of unpaid tax in the UK. At £59.2 billion, the outstanding amount is a serious sum of money—equating to roughly £850 a head for every man, woman, and...
The government has officially published a consultation document outlining the replacement for the Lifetime ISA (LISA). If you are currently saving for a first home or retirement using a LISA, these impending changes are vital to understand. The Lifetime ISA was...
A recent consultation paper released by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) could spell concerning news if you are one of the 3.6 million self-assessment taxpayers who make payments on account. While summer temperatures soared across the UK, HMRC unveiled a substantial...
Investment Market Update: Going Against the Tide of H1 2026 The world’s investment markets survived the first half of 2026 far better than expected, showing remarkable resilience in the face of significant global headwind. Index Change (31/12/25–30/6/26) Change...
One element of the Chancellor’s ‘Great British Summer Saving’ package was an increase in tax-free mileage rates. However, there remains a curious divide in the way in which HMRC deals with cars used by employees for business. Company Cars vs. Personal Vehicles: The...
Talk of a wealth tax has returned as another difficult Autumn Budget looms. In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, there was much talk of a wealth tax to fill the hole that had been created in the government’s coffers. At the end of 2020, a Wealth Tax Commission,...
Writing Your Will? Remember to Choose Your Executors with Care HMRC has published fresh information on the mechanics of collecting inheritance tax (IHT) on pensions. In the October 2024 Budget, the Chancellor announced that most pension death benefits would become...
How true are recent media headlines that fewer than one in ten will enjoy a comfortable retirement? As meteorological summer started with heavy rain, a further dampener was put on proceedings by a storm of media headlines thundering that only 9% of people could look...
The newly formed Pensions Commission has issued a landmark interim report that serves as a stark warning for long-term financial and retirement planning across the UK. The Legacy of the First Commission The original Pensions Commission was established back in 2002....
Could the State pension be replaced with a more flexible, personalised income scheme? A radical new report argues that not only is it possible, but it may also be economically vital. The Spiralling Cost of Retiring There are now 12.6 million people over the State...
Stay informed with the latest financial insights, from government budget changes to retirement planning. We’ve got you covered.