• Update from HMRC on MTD testing

    HMRC has published a new Making Tax Digital newsletter. This newsletter is mainly intended for taxpayers and agents who are currently testing the Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD for IT) system. MTD for IT will become mandatory in phases from

  • Increase in savings guarantee for bank deposits

    The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) has raised its savings guarantee for bank deposits, increasing the deposit protection limit from £85,000 to £120,000 per person. This change came into effect on 1 December 2025 and marks a significant

  • When disciplinary processes and non-compete clauses implode

    Many modern companies insist on the inclusion of restrictive covenants to limit the freedoms of employees upon the termination of their contracts. However, the High Court recently reinforced the stringent legal principles governing the enforceability

  • The likely direction of interest rates in 2026

    As we look ahead to 2026, there is growing speculation about how the Bank of England will manage interest rates during what many economists believe will be a period of calmer inflation, steadier wage growth and a more predictable economic backdrop.

  • Outlook For Food And Energy Prices In The Year Ahead

    Food and energy costs remain central concerns for households and businesses because they influence everything from wages to margins to day to day operating decisions. Inflation is easing compared to the volatility of the last few years, but the

  • Autumn Budget 2025 – Fuel Duty rates

    In the Autumn Budget, the Chancellor had been expected to increase fuel duty rates. However, she has extended the fuel duty cut for a further 6 months to help support households and businesses. The Chancellor said ‘I know that the cost of

  • Autumn Budget 2025 – Alcohol and Tobacco Duty

    The Chancellor has confirmed a series of duty increases on tobacco, vaping liquid, and alcohol that will take effect over the next year, with new rates intended to balance public health concerns with support for producers and the wider hospitality

  • Autumn Budget 2025 – Pension changes

    The Chancellor has kept the main pension allowances unchanged but has confirmed a new cap on salary sacrifice arrangements that will apply from April 2029. There had been heated speculation that the Chancellor would change the pension rules to help

  • Autumn Budget 2025 – Minimum Wage increases

    The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves announced increases to the Minimum Wage rates on the eve of the Budget. The Chancellor confirmed that the government has accepted in full the proposals of the Low Pay Commission (LPC) for increasing

  • Autumn Budget 2025 – Personal Tax changes

    The chancellor Rachel Reeves announced as part of the Autumn Budget measures that the Income Tax thresholds will be maintained at their current levels for a further three years until April 2031. This will see the personal tax allowance frozen at