Councils are spending a larger portion of their budgets on social care, says Professor Tony Travers from the London School of Economics. “Social care makes up about 65% of all councils spending, it’s an enormous part of their budget, driven by demand, and growing as a share of all local government spending”, he told BBC
Unlock the White House Watch newsletter for free Your guide to what Trump’s second term means for Washington, business and the world The writer is a partner at law firm Maurice Turnor Gardner The world seems to be on the move, seeking friendlier tax regimes and what might be described as a more comfortable life.
Fareham, Gosport, Eastleigh, and Hampshire County Council have all agreed their latest budgets for 2026/27, setting out changes that will affect millions of households across the county. Although most councils are increasing charges close to the government’s maximum allowed rise without a referendum, the final bill varies widely once borough, county, police, fire, and parish
Most savers fail to use their full allowance each year – and once it’s gone, it’s gone for good Most savers fail to use their full allowance each year – and once it’s gone, it’s gone for good(Image: Getty Images) Savers are at risk of missing out on valuable tax-free returns as the ISA deadline
A total of 583 companies were named and shamed by HMRC in 2025 for deliberately defaulting on tax HMRC is responsible for handling tax in the UK(Image: Getty) The UK’s biggest tax defaulters faced demands for nearly £533million from HMRC last year, more than double the amount from a year earlier. A total of 583
Catherine McWilliam: taxes are holding companies back Tax rates are becoming an increasing burden for businesses and are threatening their long-term future, according to new research. The growing impact of tax is a key finding in the latest State of the Nation Directors survey conducted by the Institute of Directors (IoD) Scotland. Five years ago,
Car tax rates rise from April 1, 2026, with most drivers paying more Rates will increase soon(Image: mrdoomits via Getty Images) Motorists face higher car tax bills from April 1, 2026, with fresh rates now confirmed for most drivers. Vehicle Excise Duty, as it’s formally known, will climb in just a matter of days. According
HMRC is dramatically increasing enforcement on digital assets, including on those who may not realise they owe any tax at all. Crypto’s pseudo-anonymous and complex nature means many people do not pay the right tax on holdings. UK government estimates suggest non-compliance with the tax rules could range from 55% to as high as 95%
Road tax – known as Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) – is a legal requirement in the UK and it typically rises every April Car tax is going up from next week(Image: Getty Images/EyeEm) Millions of drivers will be hit with higher car tax rates from next week. Road tax – known as Vehicle Excise Duty
Older people with income over £35,000 may choose not to receive the payment to prevent it being recovered through their tax code. Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible? Pensioners in England and Wales will be able to opt out of the Winter Fuel Payment for 2026/27 from April 1, in