London homeowners could face higher annual property taxes under proposals backed by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, as pressure grows for a major overhaul of the UK’s property tax system. The proposals are not Government policy, and ministers have not announced plans to abolish council tax or stamp duty. However, calls for reform have intensified
The briefing examines calls to increase the tax-free Personal Allowance, reintroduce a special allowance for pensioners and change the way HMRC collects tax as the State Pension continues to rise under the triple lock. Although the Government has already announced a limited concession from 2027, the report makes clear that campaigners, MPs and tax experts
Burnham says ‘big decisions’ ahead on making council tax fairer Andy Burnham has said there are “big decisions” ahead of his government on council tax, as he criticised the unfairness of the current system for making some people pay higher rates than are levied on more expensive homes in London. In his interview with Laura
Andy Burnham has said there are “big decisions” to be made on council tax as he criticised the unfairness of the way the system operates. The current council tax system is seen as deeply flawed and can mean someone living in a £150,000 terraced house in Middlesbrough pays the same as the wealthy owner of
Why do I need specialist software? HMRC has stipulated that all returns must be filed digitally, using HMRC-approved software. Rob Thomson, head of tax at Affinia, explained: “Sole traders and landlords will firstly need to ensure they have registered with HMRC for income tax and then have software in place which allows a direct connection
Brits should be aware of changes to pension inheritance tax (Image: Getty) Brits looking to retire could face an £87million tax bill after cashing in pension pots experts have warned. A minimum of £87.2million was paid in tax on the largest full pension withdrawals in just six months which is up over 20% year-on-year, new
Some self-assessment taxpayers could soon pay their tax bills monthly rather than in a lump sum under new government plans. Announced at the Autumn Budget 2025 and set to be introduced from April 2029, the proposed rules would require self-assessment taxpayers with an employment or private pension income to pay more of their tax liability
The 2025–26 UK tax year marked a fundamental shift in the taxation of internationally mobile individuals, with the abolition of the remittance basis and the introduction of the foreign income and gains (FIG) regime. This reform has materially changed how foreign income and gains are reported in the UK self-assessment (SA) tax return for 2026.
Pressure is mounting on new Chancellor John Healey to ditch a string of Rachel Reeves’ controversial tax changes amid warnings they could leave millions worse off. Investment platform AJ Bell says Healey has an opportunity to draw a line under months of uncertainty over pensions, ISAs, and taxes, as he prepares for his first Budget.
In a Court of Appeal judgment, Sir Launcelot Henderson concluded that Ms Elborne and her advisers had “succeeded in implementing an ingenious scheme”. He said the scheme worked because it predated changes in anti-avoidance legislation. Home loan schemes no longer work. Nick Porter, of Buckles Law, called it a “landmark decision” and a “rare win”