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Latest News for Business (Archive)

Call 01749 676604 or email office@webbco.co.uk

February 2026

Pubs get 15% business rates relief
Tax timebomb poses existential threat to high streets, government warned
Self assessment payments via the HMRC app up 65%
UK Treasury to regulate cryptocurrency under new legislation
UK lenders agree £11 billion SME package
Over 4,800 self assessment scams reported
UK inflation will fall in 2026
Government must ramp up its growth strategy, says think tank

January 2026

Inheritance Tax reliefs threshold to rise to £2.5 million for farmers and businesses
E-invoicing will be fundamental change for VAT-registered businesses
MTD penalties waived for first year of Income Tax
Salary sacrifice changes will impact over three million employees
Spring Statement set for 3 March 2026
£725 million UK apprenticeship overhaul targets youth unemployment
HMRC offers time to help pay self assessment tax bills
Latest guidance for employers

December 2025

Chancellor raises £26 billion in Autumn Budget
Christmas crafters urged to check tax rules
CIOT calls for implementation of IHT transitional gifting rule
Self-employed overcounted for decades by official data
Bank deposit protection limit to be increased to £120,000
UK could fall behind in net zero race, BCC warns
AI will shrink headcount as hiring confidence remains at record low
Advisory fuel rates for company cars

November 2025

Chancellor should use Budget to reform tax system, IFS says
HMRC to resume taking tax owed by debtors directly from their bank accounts
Countdown to Vaping Products Duty begins
Expert Advisory Panel to provide industry insight on R&D tax relief
Digitally excluded can apply for MTD for Income Tax exemption now
New tax avoidance law risks missing target, warns CIOT
Over 750,000 young people yet to claim savings
Latest guidance for employers

October 2025

Chancellor urged to cut National Insurance but hike Income Tax in Autumn Budget
Budget Board must focus on easing the cost of doing business, says IoD
Chancellor to explore reforms to business rates on second premises
Covid repayment window opens
Companies face prosecution risk as new fraud law comes into force
Lowering VAT threshold would be manifesto breach, warns IPSE
AI to boost trade by nearly 40% by 2040 if gaps are bridged, says WTO
Failed housing transactions cost £1.5 billion a year

September 2025

Autumn Budget to be delivered on 26 November
Over 850,000 self employed to be pulled into first phase of Making Tax Digital
Homebuyers get bogus SDLT claims warning
Crackdown on late payments launched in plan to back small businesses
SME exporters hit by new US customs charges
HMRC splits advisory fuel rates for electric cars
Advisory fuel rates for company cars
Latest guidance for employers

August 2025

HMRC launches online PAYE service
Time for taxpayers to get ready for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax
HMRC sends side hustle warning
HMRC to fine crypto investors £300 for non-disclosure
Criminal tax offence plan risks going too far, warns CIOT
Watch out for Winter Fuel Payment scams
IHT on pensions most unpopular of Labour's tax increases
Harsh personal guarantees will chill growth ambitions, warns FSB

July 2025

HMRC system attack is a timely reminder to keep personal data safe
Government should take more strategic approach to tax policy, says CIOT
HMRC names and shames over 500 employers for failing to pay NLW
Government introduces Pension Schemes Bill
Tax gap estimated at 5.3%
UK government launches Industrial Strategy
FCA in international crackdown on unlawful finfluencers
Latest guidance for employers

June 2025

HMRC launches new online help for compliance checks
Record numbers file assessment in first week of new tax year
Tax and accounting bodies back e-invoicing adoption
HMRC cuts late payment interest rate
Almost half of sole traders unprepared for MTD changes
New cryptoasset rules aim to protect consumers
One in four employers plan to make redundancies in next quarter
Advisory fuel rates for company cars

May 2025

Sole traders and landlords get Making Tax Digital warning
Loan charge review calls for evidence
Companies House begins to verify identities
Chancellor unveils plans to maintain level playing field for British business
Tax red tape costs small businesses nearly £25 billion a year
Government calls time on red tape for pubs, clubs, and restaurants
Government taking right approach to tariff negotiations
Latest guidance for employers

April 2025

Minimum wage rose on 1 April
No further tax increases in Spring Statement
Finance Act 2025 receives Royal Assent
Side hustle trading threshold raised to £3,000 per year
Financial benefit of MTD could be as high as £915 million
Chancellor unveils plan to cut red tape
Employment reforms continue to stifle business hiring intentions

March 2025

Government consults on mandatory e-invoicing
Proposed HMRC powers to collect data on hours worked scrapped
Business tax compliance costs £15 billion a year
Tailored tax reliefs boost alcohol sector
Businesses warn of National Insurance 'powder keg'
HMRC cuts late and repayment interest rates
Latest guidance for employers
Advisory fuel rates for company cars

February 2025

Parliamentary watchdog accuses HMRC of deliberately 'degrading' phone services
Government commissions review of the Loan Charge
CIOT calls on government to rewrite unfair VAT rules
Pension reforms to 'unlock billions' for government growth agenda
UK firms expecting slowdown
Employment plan will harm jobs, warns small firms
UK economy returns to growth as inflation dips
IMF upgrades UK's economic outlook

January 2025

HMRC urges self assessment taxpayers to spread the cost
HMRC could save millions of hours with tracking system
Government launches Industrial Strategy Advisory Council
Spring Statement set for 26 March
UK economy shrinks for second month in a row
Cash usage on the rise for second successive year
Over 40,000 file self assessment over the Christmas break
Latest guidance for employers

December 2024

Permanent business rate cut for high street on the way
HMRC warns landlords to disclose earnings
No tax changes for online sellers
Business frustrated at halt in rollout of digital trade platform
Employer NICs rise may have unforeseen consequences
Scams warning as self assessment deadline looms
HMRC late payment interest cut
Advisory fuel rates for company cars

November 2024

Chancellor promises to drive growth and raises £40 billion in taxes
Autumn Budget - the business reaction
National Living Wage rises by 6.7%
New tipping law comes into force
Make Work Pay threatens employment and growth warns FSB
New Growth and Skills Levy must end 'cycle of failure'
10,000 boost State Pension with online payments
Latest guidance for employers

October 2024

IPSE calls for fairer off-payroll rules in Budget
Billion-pound tax bombshell to hit hospitality, warns trade body
Reforms to IHT, CGT and NI 'could raise over £20 billion a year'
Government announces apprenticeship reforms
HMRC urged to take action to defuse side hustle time bomb
£5.5 billion lost as a result of tax evasion
Young people reminded to reclaim government savings
Government cracks down on late payments

September 2024

HMRC failing on responsiveness, says Charter report
HMRC sends 'nudge letters' to crypto investors
HMRC late payment interest cut
Scrap fuel duty cut, says RAC
Freelancers want to see fairer, simpler tax system from Autumn Budget
UK has record number of self-employed workers aged 60 or over
Advisory fuel rates for company cars
Latest guidance for employers

August 2024

Chancellor takes difficult decisions as Budget date set
King's Speech pledges to secure economic growth
HMRC launches VAT Registration Estimator
UK announces National Wealth Fund
British Business Bank launches Growth Guarantee Scheme
HMRC to send Simple Assessment tax statements to pensioners
UK's economic recovery putting down roots
Latest guidance for employers

July 2024

Business ready to work in partnership with Labour government
Tax gap at record high
HMRC has not fined a single enabler of offshore tax evasion
UK economy grew by more than previously estimated during first quarter
Average earnings just £16 a week higher than 2010
EU trade deal not working for UK business, warns BCC
UK's investment rates worse than every other G7 country
Savers dangerously underestimating minimum cost of retirement

June 2024

Next government will need to build trust between HMRC and self-employed
Revitalise 'Brand Britain', says CBI
HMRC error means self-employed workers could lose out on state pension
Taxpayers spend total of 800 years waiting to speak to HMRC
Retirees report £119,000 shortfall in pension savings
300,000 file tax returns in the first week of the tax year
Inflation falls after UK moves out of recession
Advisory fuel rates for company cars

May 2024

MTD for Income Tax pilot now live
IR35 reforms taking their toll on skilled contractors
Government urged to implement reforms to R&D tax system
HMRC clarifies tax rules for WFH commuting
HMRC launches online voluntary NICs payment service
UK borrowing reduces Chancellor's wiggle room
More than seven million adults still struggling to pay bills, finds FCA
Latest guidance for employers

April 2024

Relief at HMRC's reversal of helpline closures
Jeremy Hunt cuts NICs again in the Spring Budget
Business groups say challenges remain despite encouraging Budget
New HMRC R&D tax relief guidance 'could be clearer', says ICAEW
Bank holds interest rates as inflation and economy show improvement
HMRC's services having a negative impact on SME productivity
New measures aim to 'break the spell' of fraudsters
The National Minimum Wage is the single most successful economic policy in a generation, says think tank

March 2024

HMRC publishes guidance on MTD for ITSA for sole traders and landlords
Over one million miss self assessment deadline
HMRC warns self assessment taxpayers as scam referrals rise
Double-cab pickups go back to being vans as guidance reversed
Pensions income needed to retire rises
More than 500 firms named and shamed for underpaying staff
Latest guidance for employers
Advisory fuel rates for company cars

February 2024

Government borrowing falls as Chancellor hints at tax cuts in Spring Budget
Tax cuts may have to be scrapped due to 'economic bind', warns IFS
HMRC sends warning to cryptoasset users
Raise VAT threshold to £100,000, says FSB
Clarity on new border checks is vital, says BCC
Artificial Intelligence will affect jobs and worsen inequality, says IMF
Over 50s bucking decline in freelance numbers
Only a third of UK adults confident with self assessment

January 2024

Spring Budget 2024 date confirmed for 6 March
UK at risk of recession after economy shrinks
HMRC updates off payroll compliance guidance
Countdown for 5.7 million to file their 2022/23 self assessment tax return
Red tape, rising costs and regulation 'holding back exports'
Businesses say hybrid working is here to stay
Latest guidance for employers

December 2023

Chancellor makes Full Expensing permanent in Autumn Statement
National Insurance changes 'ease burden on strivers'
Autumn Statement cuts won't stop tax revenues rising to highest ever levels
HMRC is 'Making Tax Difficult' with MTD programme
Government agrees to crack down on crypto tax evasion
Real Living Wage to increase by 10%
Rate of inflation falls as interest rates held
Advisory fuel rates for company cars

November 2023

Chancellor must use Autumn Statement to cement commitment to small firms
Inflation rate holds steady as UK economy grows
UK set for biggest tax rise in at least 50 years
Scams warning issued to 12 million self assessment taxpayers
Online platforms should sign up to Prompt Payment Code
Hybrid and remote working here to stay
Many firms still facing recruitment problems
Latest guidance for employers

October 2023

Firms looking to Autumn Statement for help with rising operating costs
Interest rates held as inflation falls
National Living Wage to rise from April 2024
SMEs 'struggling to access finance'
Government slow to recover over £1 billion Covid grant fraud
HMRC urges nearly 430,000 young people to claim Child Trust Fund cash
Less than 1% of small firms receiving net zero help
Number of cash transactions rises for first time in a decade

September 2023

Inflation falls
UK set for five years of lost economic growth, warns think tank
Over a third of households across England will pay higher energy bills this winter
HMRC should increase rewards for whistleblowers, says law firm
Another million savers to be hit with tax on interest
Government launches Business Climate Hub
Latest guidance for employers
Advisory fuel rates for company cars

August 2023

UK inflation falls as economy shrinks in May
Bank of England raises UK interest rates
HMRC increases late payment interest rate
CMA scheme will force retailers to publish live fuel prices
Almost a million Child Trust Funds still unclaimed
South Yorkshire named as first UK Investment Zone
Tax down on pints but up on wines and spirits in Alcohol Duty overhaul
HMRC gives £1.8 million a year to charities to help excluded taxpayers

July 2023

HMRC extends deadline for voluntary NICs
HMRC closes self assessment helpline for three months
MTD expected to cost £1 billion more than originally forecast
UK inflation stays at 8.7%
Bank of England raises UK base interest rate
More than 200 companies named and shamed for minimum wage breaches
Post-Brexit trade plan must be replaced, says think tank
Industrial strategy required to 'focus on innovation', says IoD

June 2023

UK rate of inflation fell sharply in April
Don't miss out on a tax refund for work expenses, HMRC urges
Number of early self assessment filers doubles in five years
HMRC increases late payment interest rate
'Fresh thinking' needed in regard to MTD for ITSA
One in five workers will be higher rate taxpayers by 2027, says IFS
Energy suppliers urged to renegotiate fixed contracts for small businesses
Advisory fuel rates for company cars

May 2023

Online VAT filing portal to close in May
UK inflation falls to 10.1% in March
Tax threshold freeze trebles to £25 billion
PAC criticises government for billions lost to error and fraud
No sign of hiring difficulties easing, says BCC
£177.6 million lost to impersonation scams in 2022
Workers must be protected from decisions made by AI, TUC says
Latest guidance for employers

April 2023

Capital allowances reformed in 'Budget for growth'
Business groups welcome Spring Budget
HMRC issues guidance on abolition of pensions lifetime allowance
Bank of England raises UK interest rates
HMRC late payment interest rate
Taxpayers given more time for voluntary national insurance contributions
Two freeports confirmed for Wales
Small businesses at risk as energy costs rise

March 2023

HMRC sounds warning on new VAT penalties
Spring Budget must ease cost pressures on businesses, says BCC
Inflation remains close to 40-year high
UK economy narrowly avoided recession last year
Record 11.7 million tax returns received on time
'Digital pound' likely to launch this decade, says Treasury
HMRC urges eligible couples to claim Marriage Allowance
Advisory fuel rates for company cars

February 2023

Energy bill support for firms to be reduced from April
Bank of England raises interest rates to highest level in 14 years
Government launches consultation on R&D relief
Fewer firms investing in training despite skills shortage
UK business confidence plummets to 13 year low
Small firms 'facing challenges when applying for financing'
BCC warns SME exporters 'under tightening pressure'
Pensioners outnumber young people for filing self assessment tax returns

January 2023

MTD for ITSA delayed for two more years
Tax non-compliance during pandemic
Government extends mortgage guarantee scheme
Chancellor announces Spring Budget date
Bank of England raises base rate
Brexit deal not delivering for businesses
Plymouth and South Devon freeport gets go ahead
Chancellor launches financial sector reforms

December 2022

Tax burden rises following Autumn Statement
CBI praises Chancellor for 'delivering stability' in Autumn Statement
IFS warns of fall in household incomes
OECD warns UK on course for biggest economic downturn
Auto-enrolment has helped workers save £114 billion into pensions
UK businesses anticipate growth in exports
Digital Services Tax has raised £358 million
Advisory fuel rates for company cars

November 2022

Government pushes back economic statement
New PM must restore confidence, say business groups
Inflation returns to 40-year high
FCA warns that eight million are struggling to keep up with bills
IoD survey finds UK businesses anticipate growth in exports
Self assessment clock ticks down to under 100 days
Latest guidance for employers
British Business Bank lending now exceeds £12 billion

October 2022

Government abandons plan to scrap 45p top rate of income tax
Chancellor outlines growth measures at Mini Budget
IMF criticises government over tax plans
Government caps business energy bills
VAT businesses must be ready for Making Tax Digital filing by November
SMEs facing recruitment struggles
HMRC raises late payment interest from 11 October
Action Fraud warns scammers are exploiting cost-of-living crisis

September 2022

HMRC releases more details MTD for Income Tax
Ofgem raises energy price cap
Treasury Committee warns government against 'flying blind' with Emergency Budget
Experts warn inflation could keep rising in 2023
Energy firms call for windfall tax to be scrapped by 2025
TUC urges government to raise NMW
Report finds decline in the use of cash is easing
Advisory fuel rates for company cars

August 2022

Recovery Loan Scheme to be relaunched
National insurance threshold rises
IMF warns UK is set for slowest rate of growth of G7 countries
Reform required to combat staff shortages, says BCC
IoD calls for extension of capital allowances super-deduction
Insurer warns of rise in fraudulent claims amid cost-of-living crisis
New finance legislation aims to unlock investments
Pandemic-born businesses could add £20.4 billion to UK economy

July 2022

MTD for income tax pilot extended
HMRC criticised over IR35 implementation
Inflation hits 40-year high
Bank of England raises UK interest rates to 13-year high
NICs increase has immediate impact on businesses
Manufacturers call for support package
Latest guidance for employers
New homeowners warned over tax refund claims

June 2022

Chancellor announces windfall tax on energy firms
Energy price cap set to rise to £2,800 in October
Inflation hits 40-year high
Almost 66,500 filed self assessment returns on 6 April
New law to protect access to cash announced in Queen's Speech
HMRC issues £14 million in penalties for minimum wage offences
Advisory fuel rates for company cars
Number of firms in critical financial distress rises sharply

May 2022

HMRC starts chasing up SEISS overpayments
UK government unveils energy strategy
Treasury announces it will regulate some forms of cryptocurrency
HMRC names avoidance scheme promoters for first time
New HMRC one-stop online shop provides taxpayers with tax relief information
Export growth is 'stagnant', BCC finds
Latest guidance for employers
Government inaction on long COVID could cost billions

April 2022

Chancellor cuts fuel duty in Spring Statement
Business groups give mixed response to Spring Statement
OBR updates economic picture
MTD for VAT brings in up to an extra £195 million in tax
Bank of England raises interest rates for third time in a row
UK economic growth to halve this year, warns BCC
Student loan repayments for new borrowers to start at £25,000
CMA frees leaseholders from rising ground rents

March 2022

Spring Statement 2022
Spring Statement is the time to act, says CBI
Coronavirus SSP Rebate Scheme set to close on 17 March
Businesses urged to apply for remaining COVID-19 support grants
Two freeports planned for Scotland
HMRC raises late payment interest rate
MPs call for road pricing to replace motoring taxes
Over a million take advantage of extra time to file self assessment returns
Advisory fuel rates for company cars