Prices rises have remained steadily at 3.8% for three consecutive months, the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows. These figures, published on 22 October 2025, show that the annual rate of the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) remained at 3.8% in the 12 months to September, unchanged for the third month in …
We’ve seen record highs in equity markets, a ceasefire in the Middle East, better than expected inflation figures, and surprisingly good UK retail sales performance. Despite this, the pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves is relentless as she heads towards another Autumn Statement on 26th November, where she is expected to face more criticism and possibly …
For many people approaching retirement, the pension tax-free lump sum is one of the most attractive features of their pension savings. It allows you to take up to a quarter of your pension pot as a one-off payment without paying income tax, up to a current maximum of £268,275. While this can seem straightforward, the …
Inflation and economic growth were the two key themes which politicians, global economists and central bankers grappled with in September. There is an almost unprecedented interest in economic indicators in 2025, perhaps because of the unchartered economic territories Trump has pushed the world into. Not all these indicators are reliable predictors of the future. So, …
The State Pension is due to increase by 4.7% next April after the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures were published on 16th September. The ONS data confirmed the latest annual wage growth of 4.7% would be the deciding figure under the State Pension Triple Lock. This uplift, while lower than some recent past …
Between April and June this year, HMRC issued refunds amounting to nearly £49 million to pensioners who had overpaid taxes on their pension withdrawals. Approximately 13,000 claims were processed during this period, with each individual receiving an average refund of £3,800. The issue of over-taxation arises from the method HMRC uses to calculate tax on …
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is being urged to raise taxes as the UK’s financial “black hole” is now estimated to exceed £50 billion. The left-leaning National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) has warned that the Chancellor will need to increase taxes to cover this shortfall. The shortfall comprises £41.2 billion in additional spending commitments, …
Introduction UK equity markets hit new heights in July as the FTSE100 cruised through 9000 despite sluggish GDP growth. President Trump continued to show his more conciliatory side as he delayed tariff deadlines and achieved a relatively soft landing once a deal with the EU was reached. Whilst we will inevitably see some ups and …
Ever more families are facing inheritance tax (IHT) bills as frozen thresholds push more estates into liability. HMRC took £1.5 billion in IHT receipts in the first two months of the current tax year, according to its latest data. This is an uptick of just under £100 million on the comparative period last year (a …
The UK is bracing for a record-breaking exit of 16,500 millionaires in 2025, the biggest millionaire outflow globally, according to Henley & Partners’ Wealth Migration Report. New tax rules are being blamed for the forecast exodus. The end of non-domiciled resident (“non-dom”) tax breaks, higher capital gains tax, and changes to inheritance tax on overseas …
