Despite a record 11.7 million people submitting their tax returns on time, over 300,000 taxpayers missed the self-assessment deadline. On 31 January, 861,085 taxpayers filed online to meet the deadline, some with minutes to spare – 36,767 individuals filed in the last hour before the deadline. The peak filing hour on the day was between … Continued
Bank of England raises interest rate to 4%
The Bank of England (BoE) has raised its interest rate by 0.5% to 4% following a monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting on 2 February. This is the tenth consecutive time the Bank has increased interest rates, resulting in the highest base rate in 14 years. The MPC voted by a majority of 7-2 to increase … Continued
MPs call for urgent improvements to HMRC’s performance
MPs are demanding urgent improvements to HMRC’s “unacceptable service standards” after a parliamentary report discovered an “eye-watering” £42 billion is owed to HMRC from unpaid tax. The report also highlighted a dramatic drop in HMRC staffing levels, with 6,000 employees being cut over the past five years. Dame Meg Hillier, chair of the committee, said: … Continued
Research & development relief guidance under review
HMRC is inviting people to comment on draft guidance relating to the upcoming R&D tax credit relief reforms. The reforms, expected to be implemented from 1 April 2023, will change how R&D works in practice and set out additional information requirements when applying for the relief. Anyone wishing to comment can do so until 28 … Continued
Inflation remains a key concern for business
Soaring inflation remained a key concern for businesses at the end of 2022, according to the latest quarterly economic survey from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). Of the 5,600 firms surveyed – 92% of which are SMEs – 80% said that inflation was a growing worry for their business in Q4 of 2022. Nearly … Continued
Chancellor reveals new energy discount for businesses
The Government has announced a new energy bills discount scheme (EBDS) for UK businesses, set to replace the current energy bills relief scheme (EBRS) once it ends in March. The new support package will last from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, giving organisations a discount on high wholesale prices instead of capping energy … Continued
Office Location
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Energy price cap removes risk for one in four businesses
One in four business leaders (24%) believe the Government’s energy bill relief scheme (EBRS) has removed a “serious risk” to their business, according to a poll by the Institute of Directors (IoD). Of the surveyed 500 or so directors whose energy bills made up more than 5% of their costs, 11% stated they have been … Continued
SMEs owed £23.4bn in late payments
Large businesses owe their small suppliers £23.4 billion in late payments, according to the Government, sparking a review by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). Business Secretary Grant Schapps said he would launch the review to scrutinise payment practices and “prevent small firms from being ripped off by larger companies”. The review … Continued
Economic outlook remains bleak despite rise in GDP
Monthly GDP grew by around 0.5% in October 2022, following 0.6% drop in September, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Despite the recovery in monthly figures, the UK economy nevertheless contracted by 0.3% in the three months to October. The rise in GDP in October follows a 0.6% fall in September, which “was … Continued