With the UK general election on the horizon a new Government may come into power. This will lead to updates in policy and might well affect tax, VAT, business operations, wages and more.

A survey of the accountancy firms in the Corporate Finance Network (CFN) at the end of 2023 found that 80% expect the general election will have some impact on the economy and the confidence of business owners to conduct deals. 

In the aftermath of the Spring Budget many businesses are expecting changes to take place, with the election thrown into the mix it’s not surprising that many businesses are feeling uncertain about how their businesses might be affected.

How can a general election affect businesses?

• Changes to regulatory frameworks: As a new government enacts new laws, businesses might need to adjust to stay compliant. This could mean changes in operations, investments and other areas.

• Adjustments to government contracts: A new government may have different budgetary priorities or ideologies from the old one. This could result in changes to government contracts, as a result businesses with existing contracts would be affected.

• Uncertainties in trade: Changes in leadership could impact diplomatic relations between countries, leading to changes in trade relations, tariffs, and other policies.

• Fluctuations in stock price: The stock market could also be impacted. Stock prices have a direct impact on market valuations of public companies. A change in the stock market could also affect retail investors, who may adjust their investment and spending habits impacting other businesses.

What are the Labour and Conservative party promising?

The UK political parties have started to release their manifestos, here’s some of the key takeaways that could affect businesses.

Tax

• Corporation Tax

Labour plan to keep Corporation Tax at its current rate of 25% and will look to lay out a plan for future business taxation.

The Conservatives are promising to ‘back businesses with lower taxes’.

The good news is – it’s likely that Corporation Tax won’t get any higher in 2024.

• Personal Tax

The Conservatives have a plan to cut personal tax should they win the election. There are also rumours that they would get rid of National Insurance all together too.

• VAT

Labour have announced that they want to add VAT to private school fees and to end tax breaks for independent schools. We’re yet to hear what regulations they plan to put into place surrounding VAT for other businesses.

The Conservatives don’t want to raise VAT if they stay elected and have been quite vocal in their response to Labour’s plans.

Sustainability

Many parties are looking into ways to encourage businesses to be more sustainable.

If Labour are elected they want to create a plan for green energy including windfall tax on oil and gas companies on their excess profits to assist with the cost of living.

The Liberal Democrats will be investing in renewable power and want 80% of the UK to be generated from renewables by 2030.

The High Street

Both Labour and Conservatives want to bring growth back to physical high street shops.

The Conservatives have put together plans and budget towards saving UK shops. Their plan includes giving life to empty buildings, supporting high street businesses, making sure there are clean and safe spaces and more.

Business Rates

If you have a non-domestic property, you may be paying business rates.

The Labour Party are looking to make big changes to business rates. This is part of their wider plan to support small businesses.

The Conservatives also want to reduce business rates, and they plan to start with the retail industry.

Get your business ready

There’s no hiding from the impending election – your business will be affected in one way or another by policy changes.

It’s crucial for businesses to be aware of new policies and to adapt accordingly. Stay on top of the general election and have a plan in place to respond.

Remember, even though elections can bring about risk and uncertainty, there can also be exciting opportunities for growth. Feeling uncertain? Drop us an email or a call and we can provide advice and support during this time of change.

March 6^th 2024 saw the delivery of the 2024 Spring Budget by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, who outlined a significant change to the current non-domicile tax status in the UK.

As of 6th April 2025, the non-domicile – or non-dom as it’s affectionately known – tax status will be scrapped and replaced with new rules for those whose permanent home is overseas.

There will be a transitional period where the current rules will be phased out over 2 years, to allow for a softer transition.

Here we take an in-depth look at how the rules are changing.

What is non-dom status?

The non-dom tax regime has formed part of the UK’s tax system in varying capacities since 1799.

Non-dom status can be granted to UK residents whose permanent home remains outside of the UK, allowing them to benefit from the remittance basis which exempts their foreign income and gains (FIG) from UK taxation.

A non-dom is only required to pay tax on money earned in the UK. Any money made outside of the UK is only required to be taxed by the UK government if the money is paid into a UK bank account.

What are the current non-dom rules?

The current rules if you’re non-domiciled means you are not required to pay UK tax on your foreign income or gains if said income is less than £2,000 in the tax year and the money is not transferred into a UK bank account.

If your foreign income exceeds £2,000, you must report foreign income or gains, or any money brought into the UK.

This can be done in two ways. You can either pay UK tax on your earnings or claim the ‘remittance basis’, meaning you only pay UK tax for any income brought into the UK.

If you claim the remittance basis, you lose tax-free allowances for income tax and capital gains tax and must pay an annual charge if you have been a UK resident for a certain period:

If you have been a resident for at least 7 years of the previous 9 tax years the annual charge is £30,000.

If you have been a resident for at least 12 of the previous 14 tax years, the annual charge is £60,000.

The remittance basis is a complicated process which requires help from professional tax advisors and accountants to ensure compliance. Many financial professionals welcome a simpler system for those eligible for the non-dom status.

How are the non-dom rules changing?

As laid out by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in the 2024 Spring Budget, the non-dom tax regime will be scrapped, being replaced by a new four-year FIG regime.

As of April 2025, those who move to the UK, or return after at least 10 years overseas, will not be required to pay tax on any earnings made outside of the UK for the first four years. However, after that time, they will be subject to the same tax as all UK residents should they continue to live in the UK.

Individuals who currently claim remittance basis in the UK and have been in the UK for less than 4 tax years are also eligible for the new FIG regime for the remainder of the first four years of UK residence.

Those who have already resided in the UK for 4 or more tax years as of April 2025 will be subject to UK taxation on their income no matter where in the world it is earned.

Transitional measures for current non-doms

Due to the stark changes from the current to the incoming FIG regime, the chancellor announced a transitional period with a number of alleviations to make the process smoother for those affected.

Reduced rates subject to tax

For the 2025/26 tax year, those who were previously claiming the remittance basis moving to the arising basis and who are ineligible for the new 4-year FIG regime will be subject to a reduced rate of tax for one year.

For the individuals described above, only 50% of their foreign income in the 2025/26 tax year will be subject to tax. This will only apply for one tax year and is not applicable to foreign chargeable gains.

Capital Gains Tax Rebasing

Individuals who previously claimed the remittance basis and are neither UK domiciled nor deemed domiciled by April 2025 are able to dispose of personally held foreign assets, which they can elect to rebase to its 5th April 2019 value.

The government has explained that rebasing will be subject to a number of conditions, which have not yet been outlined. This relief is only relevant to non-UK situs assets held personally, not those within non-UK resident trusts.

Temporary Repatriation Facility (TRF)

Those who previously claimed the remittance basis will be able to bring income and gains to the UK earned previously to April 2025 during the 2025/26 and 2026/27 tax years at a reduced tax rate of 12%. This is under the Temporary Repatriation Facility, which will not apply to foreign income and gains earned within trusts.

Trust Protections for non-doms

As of April 2025, tax protections on income and gains earned within “settlor-interested” trust structure will not be available for non-domiciled and deemed domiciled individuals who do not qualify for the new FIG regime.

Any foreign income and gains arising in the trust as of April 2025 will be taxed the same as UK domiciles, unless eligible for the new FIG regime.

Inheritance Tax

The chancellor confirmed the government’s plans to move the Inheritance Tax (IHT) to a residence-based scheme during the Spring Budget announcement.

The IHT provisions are subject to government consultation which are likely to apply from 6 April 2025.

The new IHT scheme proposes individuals will be subject to UK IHT on their worldwide assets once they have been a UK resident for 10 tax years. The new scheme also proposes that once an individual meets the above residence terms, they fall within the scope of UK IHT unless they become and remain a non-UK tax resident for a period of 10 years.

Further details concerning IHT will be settled after consultation.

How do I prepare for non-dom being scrapped?

This announcement is one of the biggest changes to how non-UK domiciled individuals are taxed in the UK. More details will be released in advance of April 2025 to allow ample opportunity for those involved to make the necessary preparations.

With a general election looming within the UK, there is a chance further changes may be implemented, especially if a new government comes into power. In the meantime, however, proper planning and preparation are paramount, and we at Shenward recommend consulting early with tax advisors to ensure proper adjustments and considerations are made to your non-UK earnings well in advance of April 2025.

On March 6^th The Chancellor of Exchequer, Jeremey Hunt, delivered the Spring Budget 2024 to Parliament, outlining what changes we can expect to see over the coming months from a financial point of view.

Whilst a number of changes were announced, we’re taking a look specifically at the proposed changes to Taxation and National Insurance. We explore the key points of each change and what it could mean for you.

Changes to National Insurance

As predicted, cuts to National Insurance were announced during the Spring Budget 2024.

Class 1 Changes

In the Autumn Statement, Class 1 NIC paid by those who are employed/paid through PAYE and earning between £12,750 and £50,270 was reduced from a rate of 12% to 10%. In the Spring Budget, it was announced that from 6^th April 2024, the rate would be reduced by a further 2% to 8%. This could bring a maximum saving of £63 per month to employees.

Class 4 Changes

Self-employed people earning between £12,750 and £50,270 currently pay Class 4 National Insurance at a rate of 9%. Whilst it was expected that this would drop to 8% in April, it was announced that it will in fact be cut further to 6% from 6^th April 2024.

For those currently paying at a rate of 9%, this means that for every £1,000 of profit in the main band, they could benefit from a tax saving of £30 – up to maximum of £1,131 per year.

Both of these changes will bring small changes to people on a personal finance level. However, businesses aren’t set to benefit from the changes as no changes to Employers NICs are to be introduced.

Income Tax Related Changes

High Income Child Benefit Charge

Since 2013, a High Income Charge for Child Benefit in place. At the moment, those who earn over £50,000 are subjected to a charge resulting in a deduction to the amount of Child Benefit they receive. This appears as a 1% deduction for every £100 over the £50,000 income threshold. It means that when a person’s income reaches £60,000, they will no longer be entitled to Child Benefit.

However, The Chancellor announced that from 6 April 2024, the income threshold will increase to £60,000 and that the 1% charge will be applied to every £200 earnt over the threshold. This means that people will continue to be entitled to some amount of Child Benefit until they reach an income of £80,000.

Non-domicile status

The non-domicile tax status is set to be scrapped in the UK – a significant announcement made during the Spring Budget 2024.  However, the existing tax regime is intended to be phased out over a number of years, rather than brought to an immediate halt.

Under the new rules, from April 2025, people who move to the UK from abroad will not have to pay tax on the money they earn whilst overseas for the first four years of doing so. After the four years, they will need to pay tax in the same way as UK residents if they continue to live in the UK.

Those who already have non-domicile tax status are being granted a two-year transition period before they have to pay tax in the same way as those without non-domicile status. The Chancellor said that these people will be encouraged to bring their foreign income/wealth into the UK.

Property Related Changes

Holiday Lettings

Draft legislation is yet to be published, but what we know so far is that From April 2025, the Furnished Holiday Lettings tax regime will be abolished. Under the current scheme, FHL benefit from a number of tax rules, which we expect will be removed.

These are:

1. The entire finance costs, specifically mortgage interest, can be subtracted from FHL income.
2. When selling an FHL, there might be eligibility for business asset disposal relief, leading to a 10% capital gains tax rate.
3. Earnings from FHLs are considered relevant for pension purposes, enabling tax-advantaged pension contributions.
4. Under the accruals basis, capital allowances for items like furniture and fixtures can be utilized against rental income.
5. Under the cash basis, expenses for furniture and similar items are typically deductible as property business expenses.

Many questions remain unanswered, so we are keeping a close eye on what is being announced and eagerly await the legislation being published.

Stamp Duty

From June 1^st 2024, the Multiple Dwelling Relief (MDR) will be abolished. At present, it allows a relief in the Stamp Duty regime meaning  a reduction in the amount of Stamp Duty paid when two or more residential properties are purchased at the same time or as part of a linked transaction.

Capital Gains Tax

From April 6^th 2024, the amount of Capital Gains Tax paid at the Higher rate for UK residential property disposals will be reduced from 28% to 24%. However, the lower rate will remain the same at 18%. This will bring significant savings to higher rate payers.

Other Tax Related Changes

VAT

The threshold for which companies must register to charge and pay VAT is to increase from £85,000 to £90,000 from April 1, 2024.  This means that once revenue within a 12-month period reaches £90,000, the business must legally become VAT registered.

National Living Wage

As previously announced, from April 1^st 2024, the National Living Wage will increase by 9.8% and will also come into effect for those aged 21 and over.

Film Tax Credit

In the Spring Budget 2024, The Chancellor announced a new UK Independent Film Tax Credit – something the film industry will welcome due to their desire to receive more support from the UK government for a long time. The credit will have a headline rate of 53% for budgets up to £15million, which must exclude distribution and marketing costs.

Some rules we are aware of are:

• The company must have a UK director/writer/ or be certified as an official UK co-production
• Only productions after 1 April 2024 will be eligible
• Productions cannot claim separately under AVEC, 39% Animation, or the new Visual Effects tax relief if they are claiming this

Our Thoughts

Managing Partner, Sherad Dewedi shares his views on the changes announced in the Spring Budget 2024.

“We must be aware this Budget is likely to be the last before the next UK election, so there was no surprise that there was another cut to national insurance, despite calls for a cut to income tax. What seems to be being ignored is how employers continue to face significant increases in taxes and costs through increased corporation tax, minimum wage and whilst we welcome the benefits to employees, the lack of support in reducing Employers NI during such times feels unfair.

I do not believe people will see significant benefits of the increase in the VAT threshold of only £5,000. Nevertheless, it’s a step in the right direction.

In a landscape where taxes have increased to tackle our national debt and inflation, tax planning remains paramount and should not be ignored.”

What could this year’s Spring Budget bring?

Wednesday 6th March 2024 is a date for our diaries indeed. Why? The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, will deliver his 2024 Spring Budget in the House of Commons.

Whilst nothing is set in stone until the day itself, there are plenty of rumors circulating about what this year’s Spring Budget might include.

We’ve gathered speculations from news articles, industry professionals and from our internal team here at Shenward and wrapped them up into an easy-to-read blog.

What is the Spring Budget. A reminder.

It’s likely you’ve heard of it. Maybe you’ve followed it in previous years, or perhaps it’s a headline you skim past. Whatever your level of involvement, the Spring Budget is something that directly affects the UK economy. 

The Spring Budget is an opportunity for the Chancellor to provide an update to Parliament on the UK economy and announce his economic plans for 2024-25.

This announcement generally outlines plans for taxes, spending on healthcare, schools, public services and much more.

Post statement, MPs spend several days debating the Budget proposed. They are then asked to approve the tax proposals and the UK government will draw up a Finance Bill to turn the Budget proposals into law.

What’s expected in this year’s Spring Budget?

Let’s dive into the rumor mill. Here’s an overview of what the UK’s top business groups have asked for, what professionals are expecting, and what our team at Shenward are hoping to see this year:

Housing

A new mortgage scheme might be on the horizon

According to reports in the Financial Times, we might well see the introduction of 99% mortgages. This will make it easier for first-time buyers to get onto the property ladder, only needing a 1% deposit whilst the government acts as a partial backer.

Stamp duty cuts are high on the agenda

This isn’t the first year where there’s been pressure on the Chancellor to make changes to stamp duty. Many experts in the field are requesting that the levy be eradicated for older homeowners who are looking to downsize. This, in turn, could incentivise older homeowners to sell, leading to a boost in the property market.

Tax

Are major tax cuts pie in the sky?

Some news reports have suggested that Hunt could cut income tax by 2p and make reductions to National Insurance Contributions. However, with the economy now in recession, it might be unlikely that Hunt will bring these plans to the Spring Budget.

Is it time for Tourist Tax to be abolished?

The British Chamber of Commerce has requested that Tourist Tax be eliminated. This would allow international visitors to the UK to shop tax free.

Sherad Dewedi, our Managing Partneragrees with this, “the high street is losing billions in revenue from overseas visitors – who often have a comparatively stronger spending power. VAT free shopping is something which could solve this problem and give our high streets the boost they need.”

It’s been estimated that this tax costs our retail sector £1.5 billion per year!

Olivia Hudson, Senior Accountant here at Shenward would like changes to VAT in general: “I would like to see VAT being reduced on essential goods like food and energy to help with the cost-of-living crisis, especially given how much the cost of these has increases substantially in recent years.”

This could be the year for the tax threshold thaw

In April 202, thresholds for personal allowance and higher-rate income tax were frozen for four years. In Autumn 2022, the Chancellor extended this freeze to 2028. There is significant pressure on the government to end this freeze early.

Mumtaz, a Senior Accountant here at Shenward states: “I would like the personal allowance to be increased and the basic rate tax to be decreased from 20% to 19% to help with the cost-of-living crisis.” Simone Lewis, another Senior Accountant at Shenward agrees.

Some experts have suggested that the government might also amend or continue to hold thresholds for capital gains tax and dividend tax.

Our managing partner, Sherad states: “On CGT, I want to see a commitment to no changes to Business Asset Disposal Relief to enable entrepreneurs to plan for the long term. The lifetime allowance of £1m needs to be increased back to a minimum of £10m too.”

Inheritance tax removal speculations

MPs are requesting the rate of Inheritance Tax (IHT) be reduced, or even removed. Currently, this tax is charged at 40% on assets or money you leave over the tax-free threshold of £325,000.

There was much debate on this at Shenward. Saleem, one of our Assistant Accountants, is on the IHT abolishment bandwagon: “I would like to see the abolishment or scaling down of Inheritance tax in the Spring Budget for sure.

Other members of the team agreed at a minimum we should see an increase to the nil rate band which has been frozen for over 12 years.

Finance

Will the Lifetime ISA penalty be removed? 

The lifetime ISA is a tax-free account designed to help those aged 18-39 to buy their first home or save for retirement. The government pays a 25% bonus on your savings when you come to use them. However, if you want to spend the money on anything other than your first property, or if you are under the age of 60, you’ll receive a 25% penalty when you withdraw. There’s been a lot of pressure from campaigners for this fine to be scrapped.

Workplace

Employment allowances could be set to increase.

The Federation of Small Businesses has urged Hunt to increase the Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £6,500. This £1,500 increase would enable a small employer to hire four employees on the National Living Wage of £11.44 before having to pay 13.8% jobs tax, in turn supporting small businesses and enabling their growth. 

Environment

Supplying net zero incentives might be key

Reports have suggested that SMEs feel that there is a lack of direction to invest in net zero measures and that this is one of the biggest blockers in reducing their carbon footprint. The Institute of Directors research suggests that in order to incite change, the government should consider offering a lower corporation tax for organisations who have achieved net zero.

Could VAT on Electric Vehicles be reduced?

The team over at Ernst and Young have speculated that the VAT rate on new electric cars should be reduced or removed altogether to incentivise the purchase of these environmentally friendly vehicles.

Childcare

Child benefit charge alterations

In January of this year the Chancellor acknowledged that the High-Income Child Benefit Charge could be ‘unfair’. Currently, one person earning £60,000 wouldn’t receive any child benefit, while a dual-income family with two parents earning £50,000 each would get the full amount. The threshold in place may well be reviewed this Spring.

Will these speculations become a reality?

Whilst the above are all theories, the likelihood is that some, if not many, of these points will be addressed by Hunt on the 6th of March.

We’ll check back in post budget with a full run down of what is announced and how it could affect you.

And how can Shenward Accountants keep you on track?

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act has carried out some of the most significant changes to UK Company Law that Companies House has seen in years.

As business owners, you’re constantly in a race against the clock and keeping track of updates to UK regulation is just another task you don’t need. That’s where we come in. When something big happens like changes to UK Company Law, we’re on it; making sure you have access to resources covering the main changes in an easy-to-understand way and what it means for your business.

With this in mind, we’ve created a bite-sized guide to UK Company Law changes.

What’s covered?

· Improving data on registers

· Confirmation statement changes

· Changes to fees

· Identity verification

· Changes to accounts

· Protecting your information

· Limited partnerships (LPs)

· Transparency of company ownership

· Investigation, enforcement and data sharing

Improving data on the Companies House Register

What is it? Registered office addresses, statement of lawful purpose, greater registrar power, enforcements and sanction changes.

Effective from: 4 March 2024

Additional info: 

• There’ll be new rules for registered office addresses, meaning companies must always have an ‘appropriate address’ as their registered office. PO Boxes will no longer be allowed. 
• When registering a company (and on every annual confirmation statement) at Companies House, you must confirm you’re forming the company for lawful reasons.
• Registrars will hold more power and can carry out stronger checks and challenge incorrect or inconsistent information. 
• If businesses aren’t complying with regulations, Companies House can fine or even prosecute.  

Change to Confirmation Statements

What is it? Annually confirm your details held by Companies House are correct

Effective from: 4 March 2024

Additional info: 

• New companies will have to provide a registered email address. Existing companies will need to provide one on their next confirmation statement. 
• You’ll also have to confirm on your annual statement that the intended future activities of your company will be lawful.  

Changes to fees

What is it? Companies House fees are changing

Effective from: 1 May 2024

Additional info: 

There’ll be new annual and registration fees for company incorporation and registration, limited liability partnerships, overseas companies, limited partnerships, Scottish qualifying partnerships, UK Economic Interest Groupings and UK Societas, and overseas entities.

Changes to Identity verification

What is it? Anyone setting up, running, owning or controlling a company in the UK will need to verify their identity with Companies House. 

Effective from: Date to be confirmed

Additional info: 

• For new companies, all directors and people with significant control (PSCs) will have to complete identity verification. Also, members of a limited liability partnership will need to verify. 
• For existing companies, all directors (or equivalent) and PSCs will have a period to verify their identity. 
• Anyone acting on behalf of a company will need to verify before they can file information with Companies House.
• The process hasn’t entirely been determined, but Companies House have said they will organise a service to verify your identity using ID documents, such as a passport. Companies House Support will also release support services to help you complete the process. 

Changes to Accounts

What is it? New measures will improve transparency by making more financial information available to the public. 

Effective from: Date to be confirmed and more information is coming

Additional info: 

• Companies House is modernising its filing options, moving towards filing accounts exclusively through software over the next two to three years. All companies, including those using third-party agents or accountants, must adapt to this digital format.
• Filing options for small and micro-entity companies will also be streamlined. You’ll need to file profit and loss accounts, while the option for filing ‘abridged’ accounts will be removed. Small companies not classed as micro will also need to file a directors’ report. 
• Companies seeking an audit exemption must provide a director’s statement on the balance sheet. You’ll need to specify the exemption being claimed and confirm the company’s qualification for it.

Protecting your information

What is it? Measures to prevent abuse of personal information held on the Companies House register are being introduced.

Effective from: Phased approach over the next two years.

Additional info: 

• Businesses registered at Companies House will be able to suppress residential addresses, date of birth documents, signatures and business occupations. 
• People classified as ‘at risk’ will be able to apply to have the following removed from public view – name or previous names, sensitive addresses, other details depending on the severity of the case.

Changes to limited partnerships 

What is it? LP information will be made more accessible and transparent

Effective from: Date to be confirmed

Additional info: 

• When the measures come into force, LPs must provide additional information, such as partner details and a SIC code and file an annual confirmation statement.
• Information must be filed through an authorised agent (like an accountant) registered with Companies House. 
• There’ll be new powers to apply sanctions, close and restore partnerships and protect partner details.  

Transparency of company ownership

What is it? You’ll have to supply more information based on owning your company.

Effective from: Date to be confirmed

Additional info: 

• You’ll be required to record the full names of shareholders who are individuals (or full names of corporate members and firms) in your registers. And provide a one-off complete shareholder list so Companies House can display this information in a user-friendly way.
• Companies House will also have the right to collect and display information relating to persons with significant control (PSC) exemptions. They’ll do the same for the conditions which allow a relevant legal entity to be recorded as a PSC.

Investigation, enforcement and data sharing

What is it? Companies House will now have the power to share data with law enforcement agencies and government departments.

Effective from: Date to be confirmed

How can Accounting firms like Shenward can help you with company law changes?

Many accounting firms just like us are classed as authorised agents. This means we are registered to manage all aspects of Companies House record management for UK businesses. And, because we keep up to date with law changes, everything we do for you will ensure you remain fully compliant at all times.

Contact our professional team today if you’re looking for business support relating to Company Law changes or need help with Companies House.

You can also learn more about how an accountant can help your business here. 

As the autumn leaves fall, so does the latest fiscal roadmap for the United Kingdom, outlined in the Autumn Statement 2023. Here, we take a look at the precise changes and new rules introduced in the statement, providing an overview of how these adjustments will impact both individuals and businesses across the country.

Business Related Tax Changes

Capital Allowances

During the Spring Budget 2023, the government opted to replace the super deduction regime with ‘full expensing,’ effective for a three-year period starting from April 1, 2023. This provision enables businesses to deduct the entire cost of qualifying plant and machinery investments from their taxable profits.

Building on this in the Autumn Statement 2023, the government has decided to make this change a permanent fixture by introducing a 100% first-year allowance for main rate assets and a 50% first-year allowance for special rate assets, including long-life assets.

Business Rates

The government is set to roll out a business rates support package totalling £4.3 billion over the next five years, aimed at providing assistance to small businesses as well as the Retail, Hospitality, and Leisure (RHL) sectors.

This initiative encompasses the extension of the 75% relief for RHL until 2024-25, capped at £110,000 in cash terms. Additionally, the small business multiplier will remain frozen for the fourth consecutive year, while the standard rate multiplier will be adjusted to align with CPI inflation.

ATED (Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings)

From April 1, 2024, annual charges for ATED (Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings) will experience a 6.7% increment, mirroring the Consumer Price Index as of September 2023. ATED is a tax in the UK levied on residential properties owned by companies, partnerships with corporate members, or collective investment schemes. This tax is applicable to dwellings meeting certain criteria and is designed to discourage the holding of high-value residential properties within corporate envelopes. The increase in annual charges aligns with the inflationary trends measured by the Consumer Price Index.

Investment Zones

The Investment Zones initiative is set to undergo an extension, doubling its duration from five to ten years. Furthermore, the expansion of this program encompasses the introduction of three new zones located in Greater Manchester, West Midlands, and East Midlands. This strategic move aims to broaden the reach and impact of the Investment Zones, fostering economic growth and development in these newly designated regions.

Research and Development

The current Research and Development Expenditure Credit (RDEC) and SME schemes are slated for consolidation, effective for expenditure incurred in accounting periods starting on or after April 1, 2024. Under the merged scheme, the notional tax rate applied to entities incurring losses will be reduced from the existing 25%, aligned with the RDEC scheme, to a new rate of 19%. This initiative seeks to streamline and enhance the effectiveness of R&D incentives.

The intensity threshold in the supplementary support for R&D-intensive loss-making SMEs will undergo a reduction also, shifting from 40% to 30%. This adjustment is expected to encompass around 5,000 additional R&D-intensive SMEs, making them eligible for the relief. Moreover, a one-year grace period will be instituted, allowing companies that fall below the 30% qualifying R&D expenditure threshold to still avail relief for the subsequent year. This change aims to broaden the scope of support and provide transitional assistance for eligible businesses.

Changes to Personal Tax and NI

National Insurance

The main rate of National Insurance (Class 1 NI) for employees is set to be cut from 12% to 10% from 6 January 2024. The Chancellor advised that this means for a person earning an average UK salary of £35,4000 per annum, a saving of £450 would be observed in 2024-25.

In addition, the NI rate for self-employed individuals (Class 4 NI) will be cut from 9% to 8%, taking effect in April 2024. The Chancellor gave an example of the savings this would bring by explaining that a self-employed person with profits of £28,200 would save an average of £350 during 2024-25.

Surprisingly, Class 2 National Insurance (paid by those self-employed who do not pay through self-assessment) is to be abolished from April 2024 – this was previously charged at £3.45 per week.

National Living Wage

From April 2024, the National Living Wage will be increased by £1.02 per hour from £10.42 to £11.44 for those aged 21 and over, meeting the criteria.

This increase will also mean benefits such as Universal Credit and other working age benefits will increase by 6.7%.

Pensions

In April, state pensions will see an 8.5% increase, and the ‘triple-lock’ mechanism, which ensures state pension rises by the highest among inflation, wage growth, or 2.5%, will be retained.

The Autumn Statement 2023 is not just a fiscal forecast but a blueprint for economic transformation. Understanding the specifics of the changes introduced is crucial for individuals and businesses alike.

As we navigate this new landscape, adaptability and strategic planning will be key to capitalising on opportunities and mitigating challenges. Contact our professional team today to find out how we can help.

The UK’s first full budget in just under a year and a half was unveiled to the public last week, causing much surprise with the level of support announced.

There’s no hiding from the fact that the rising cost of living, inflation and effects of the pandemic are putting strain on both individuals and businesses, and the Chancellor’s Budget is aiming to relieve some of this strain.

From increased childcare funding, to energy price cap extensions, people across the UK are set to benefit more from this year’s budget. Let’s explore.

Budget Key Points

Pensions and Wages

• The current £1.07m cap on the amount workers can save in pensions throughout their lifetime before being subject to additional tax is to be abolished.

• The current tax-free allowance for pensions pot has been frozen at £40,000 for nine years but now, the allowance will rise to £60,000.

Fuel, Alcohol and Tobacco

• The 5p cut to duty on petrol and diesel was due to end in April, but this has been extended for another year.

• From August, taxes on alcohol will rise in line with inflation. However, new reliefs for beer, cider and wine sold in public houses will be offered – a move to support the hospitality industry.

• The tax on tobacco products will increase to 2% above inflation, with hand-rolling tobacco tax increasing to 6% above inflation – a move to help reduce the nation’s number of smokers, perhaps?

Energy and Power

• The limit on household energy bills to £2,500 a year has been extended to June – an additional three months.

• An investment of £200m is being made in a bid to make sure those using prepayment meters (around 4m households) to pay are subject to the same prices as those paying by direct debit.

• An investment of £63m is being laid out to support leisure centres that have rising swimming pool heating costs and helping them become more energy efficient.

Benefits and Return to Work

• From April 2024, 30 hours of free childcare per week for working parents in England will be rolled out to include children from age 1 to 4.

• Childcare support payments for those on universal credit will now be paid in advance rather than in arrears. The £646 a month cap per child will also be raised to £951.

• Those wishing to become childminders will receive a £600 “incentive payment”. Rules in England will also be relaxed rules to allow childminders to look after more children.

• An investment of £63m is being made for programmes which encourage those over 50 who have retired to return to work. This will be in the form of skills camps and ‘returnships’

• In the construction sector, immigration rules will be relaxed for five roles to help ease labour shortages.

Tax and Investments

• The main rate of Corporation Tax for taxable profits over £250,000, will increase from 19% to 25%.

• Companies that have profits between £50,000 and £250,000 will pay corporation tax at rate of between 19% and 25%.

• Investments in new machinery and technology can be deducted by businesses to help lower their taxable profits.

• 12 new Investment Zones across the UK will be funded by £80m each over the next five years which will result in tax breaks and other benefits.

Our Thoughts

We certainly welcome the support announced in the Chancellor’s March 2023 Budget. Whilst there is a notable rise in Corporation Tax and Income Tax which could add further pressure to businesses, there were some significant benefits announced which could outweigh this. For example, in the construction sector particularly, the rules have been relaxed around immigration for certain roles, thus reducing the investment in recruitment strategies and short term labour and increasing production.

Furthermore, the expensing policy for capital allowances will encourage businesses to invest in equipment that can aid efficiency – we certainly will be supporting clients with the best way to do this whilst remaining compliant.

Lastly, we believe exciting things are on the horizon given one of the 12 new investment zones will be in West Yorkshire. This investment zone will be backed by £80m over five years particularly to aid the introduction of tax reliefs, training and infrastructure. The idea is that these measures will help to level up West Yorkshire, thus creating a more evenly distributed growth for the UK economy.

Need a helping hand navigating the changes? Reach out to us at hello@shenward.com.