News

Latest figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that average wages are continuing to grow faster than inflation. After adjusting for consumer price inflation (CPI), wages rose 3.4% between October and December 2024 when compared with the same period in 2023.

Inflation figures for January 2025 were released last week and showed a surprising jump to 3.0%, up from 2.5% in December.

The Bank of England reduced their base rate to 4.5% last week, as had been widely expected in the days leading up to the decision.

The Prime Minister and Chancellor met with business leaders last week and unveiled proposals to give occupational defined pension schemes more flexibility.

The new economic secretary to the Treasury, Emma Reynolds, has said that there are no plans to regulate businesses, whether big or small, to compel them to accept cash.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, delivered a speech last week that served as an update on the government’s plans for delivering economic growth.

As the UK tax year-end approaches on 5 April, it’s an excellent time for you to review your business finances and explore tax planning opportunities, particularly if you are self-employed. Tax planning can help you to reduce tax liabilities, boost your cash flow and put you in a stronger financial position.

A report released by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has further criticised HM Revenue & Custom’s (HMRC) phone service. It found that nearly 44,000 customers were cut off without warning after being put on hold for more than an hour in the first 11 months of last year.