Know your numbers this tax year
It’s well worth being aware of the tax allowances and exemptions available in 2020–21 to be able to maximise them for your own individual financial planning. Here are a few figures worth knowing: Personal taxation The National Insurance threshold is now £9,500. The Personal Allowance remains at £12,500, while the £50,000 higher-rate threshold remains unchanged […]
The Week in Review – 3 August
“Our assessment is that we should now squeeze that brake pedal” At a Downing Street briefing on Friday, the Prime Minister announced that further easing of lockdown restrictions in England was to be postponed for at least two weeks. This was one of several policy changes announced during the week which collectively aim to suppress […]
Be vigilant and scam smart
There have been warnings from several UK bodies, including the Bank of England, National Crime Agency, and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) urging people to be vigilant. The warnings are aimed, in particular, at those who may have lost their jobs or are under financial pressure and may be tempted by scammers. Millions affected Over […]
The Week in Review – 27 July
“We have to strike a balance” Last week, the Prime Minister and his cabinet met in person for the first time since lockdown commenced in March. Opening the meeting, the PM said there will be “difficult months ahead for our people and our country but no-one will be without hope”. He continued, “For the next […]
Property Market Review – July 2020
REASONS FOR OPTIMISM IN THE CITY Commercial property investment figures for the City of London, produced by Savills, show that £1.77bn had been invested by the end of June, representing a year-on-year decrease of 41%. The data shows that just three deals were transacted in April, four in May and three in June. Although this […]
The Week in Review – 20 July
“We cannot let our progress today lead to complacency tomorrow” As millions of people around the globe went back into lockdown last week, in England confirmation was received that face coverings will be mandatory for shoppers in supermarkets and shops from Friday 24 July. The move aligns England with Scotland and other major European nations […]
The Week in Review – 13 July
“We face profound economic challenges” Last Wednesday, the Chancellor delivered an Economic Update on the government’s plan to rebuild the economy. Rishi Sunak outlined his Plan for Jobs, the second phase of the government’s economic response to the coronavirus pandemic. Before detailing his plan, Rishi Sunak stated that, as a nation “we face profound economic […]
Building financial resilience
One notable theme evident throughout the coronavirus lockdown has been ‘back to basics’ with people displaying an increased appetite for the simpler things in life. While not everyone has fully embraced Tom and Barbara’s ‘Good Life’ philosophy, home baking, gardening and knitting have all enjoyed a notable renaissance. Lockdown lessons Back to basics has also […]
The Chancellor’s Summer Economic Update
“No one will be left without hope” In March, Rishi Sunak unveiled “one of the largest and most comprehensive economic responses in the world” to protect the UK’s population against the impact of coronavirus. The £160bn plan, the Chancellor said, was just the first stage of the government’s response to the pandemic. Four months later, […]
Economic Review – June 2020
‘NEW DEAL’ TO BOOST ECONOMY The Prime Minister has set out government plans to deliver a post-lockdown economic recovery, with a promise to accelerate £5bn worth of spending pledges on a range of infrastructure projects across the country. During a speech delivered at the Dudley College of Technology on 30 June, Mr Johnson promised to […]