It may have seemed a Bland Budget, but that’s because Hunt got all the nasties out of the way in the Autumn Statement, in the hope, I guess, that we’ll have forgotten all about them by the time they hit us. Allowances frozen in the face of soaring inflation, NI and Corporation Tax up significantly. And perhaps the stealthiest of all and one that will unduly affect many of our clients, the slashing of Capital Gains Tax and dividend tax allowances. The latter means that those with shares or investments not in an ISA or pension worth not that much, £30,000 or so, are likely to have to pay tax and most annoyingly, complete a tax return. And many, I’d say a majority, will not have a clue that they should. A lot of stress for many, possibly elderly and not-that-rich people; and something I’m sure HMRC, too, could do without.
“Autumn Budget to be scrapped this year”
Remember being told to ‘wait until your father gets home’ or sitting outside the headmaster’s office? And then, when they arrive, you get a cheery greeting and some sweets or pocket money, not the expected dressing down? A relief, though you know in the pit of your...
