The Chancellor has delivered her 2026 Spring Forecast this week – the government’s new name for the traditional Spring Statement. Rachel Reeves made it clear this was an update on the economy and public finances, rather than announcing new policies. She made a statement in Parliament in response to an Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR)
Nearly half a million households in Scotland are receiving a discount on their annual Council Tax bill. Nearly half a million households in Scotland are receiving a discount on their annual Council Tax bill.(Image: PA) New Council Tax bills for 2026/27 are due to arrive this month with most local authorities across Scotland expected to
Growing evidence is suggesting pensioners with larger defined contribution pension pots are starting to run them down much faster – or use them up in full – in a bid to reduce potential inheritance tax (IHT) liabilities. From April 2027, unspent defined contribution pension pots will be added to the value of the estate when
As the government’s official forecaster, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), flags, there are other risks this year – pressures on defence and health spending, for example. The OBR is paid to be cautious. But it means that, come the autumn Budget, there could still be a need for tax or spending changes – if
The Spring Statement is not a big event like the Budget – but it can influence future tax and spending decisions 13:10, 03 Mar 2026Updated 13:20, 03 Mar 2026 The Spring Statement took place today(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) Rachel Reeves has delivered her Spring Statement to Parliament where she insisted Labour has the “right economic plan
The personal tax thresholds are currently frozen until the end of the 2030/31 financial year – but did the Chancellor announce any changes to this today? Chancellor Rachel Reeves leaving to deliver her Spring Statement(Image: PA) Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her Spring Statement in the House of Commons this afternoon – but did she announce
The calculator asked people to enter financial details, including their income, savings, benefits and expenditure, and no details were saved, bosses said. De Sausmarez told BBC Guernsey that, if introduced, the General Sales Tax (GST) would be part of a package of measures, including reduction in income tax and social security contributions, pensions and other
Drivers will see their annual Vehicle Excise Duty rates for 2026 rise ranging from £200 to £5,690 (Image: Getty Images) Motorists are being cautioned to brace themselves for additional road tax rises from April, with some petrol and diesel drivers confronting a £200 surge. The UK road tax increases taking effect in April 2026 are
The Local Council Tax Reduction (LCTR) Schemes enable working-age claimants that meet certain criteria to receive a discount on their annual council tax bill. But during the past year there have been national changes to Universal Credit level, and the lifting of the two-child limit on receiving certain benefits for larger families. This week, Stafford
Unlock the Editor’s Digest for free Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter. This article is an on-site version of the Free Lunch newsletter. Premium subscribers can sign up here to get the newsletter delivered every Thursday and Sunday. Standard subscribers can upgrade to Premium here, or explore