HMRC has issued a new round of one-to-many letters aimed at persons of significant control (PSCs) who have declared income of under £100,000 or who have not submitted a tax return.

The government had previously announced that there would be a cut in the basic rate of income tax, from 20% to 19%, from April 2024. This was to be accelerated so that it took effect from April 2023. However, whilst the government aims to proceed with the cut in due course, this will only take place when economic conditions allow and a change is affordable. The basic rate of in ...

Eight in ten small businesses are finding it difficult to recruit staff, according to a report published by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). The FSB's 'Scaling up Skills' report found that over 80% of small firms are flagging a lack of relevant qualifications, skills and experience among candidates as a problem, while 60% say a lack of applicants is also an issue. Mo ...

HMRC will raise interest rates on tax debt from 11 October following the 0.5% increase in the base rate. This means that the late payment interest rate will increase to 4.75% from 11 October 2022. The rate last increased to 4.25% on 23 August. This is the highest rate since the height of the financial crisis in January 2009. Late payment interest is payable on late tax bills ...

In September 2021 the government published its proposals for new investment in health and social care in England. The proposals were intended to lead to a permanent increase in spending not only in England but also by the devolved governments. To fund the investment the government introduced a UK-wide 1.25% Health and Social Care Levy based on the National Insurance contributio ...

Economic analysts have warned that the rate of inflation could keep rising in 2023 as a result of rising energy prices. Think tank the Resolution Foundation stated that inflation could go above 15%, whilst investment bank Citi said that it is ‘entering the stratosphere’ and could reach 18.6%. Predictions outlined by the Bank of England (BoE) have suggested that inflation coul ...

The Treasury Committee has urged the government to provide assurance that it is not ‘flying blind’ into a potential Emergency Budget this September. In a letter sent to Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, Mel Stride, Chair of the Treasury Committee, asked whether the Treasury is working with the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) on a forecast to be published with any potential Emer ...

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has called on the government to increase the National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates 'immediately' in order to guarantee decent living standards for families. Research carried out by the TUC found that UK poverty levels are 'likely to get worse' if ministers continue to hold down pay. Additional financial support for families announced by the Treasury ...

On behalf of all at Ward Williams, we offer sincerest condolences to the Royal Family following the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II. We pay tribute to her lifelong dedication and service. ...

Here at Ward Williams we subscribe to a weekly delivery of fruit to each of our offices. The business case for providing fruit in the workplace is strong.  Providing fresh fruit to staff is the most cost-effective employee benefit which in turn increases staff productivity and promotes staff health and wellbeing. Most of the fruit is sourced from the UK and Western Europe to ...