As part of the government’s efforts to drive economic growth, the Trade Secretary has appointed a new ‘global growth team’ of UK Trade Envoys with the goal of driving UK exports and investment. 32 MPs have been assigned target markets across the globe and have been tasked with identifying trade and investment opportunities for businesses as well as championing the UK as the place to invest for investors in those markets.
The Prime Minister and Chancellor met with business leaders last week and unveiled proposals to give occupational defined pension schemes more flexibility. Restrictions will be lifted on how well-funded, occupational defined benefit pension funds that are performing well will be able to invest their surplus funds. It is hoped that this will pave the way for future growth across the economy.
A deposit return scheme, which more than 50 countries worldwide are now using, gives people a financial incentive for returning empty bottles and cans to a collection point, such as at a supermarket. According to government supplied statistics, the average return rate in Europe is 90% with Germany leading the way at 98%.
Recent economic developments have sparked concerns among UK businesses. Government borrowing costs surged in December to their highest levels in four years, and this has drawn heavy criticism of the Chancellor’s fiscal strategy. The BBC reported that the gap between government spending and tax revenue widened to £17.8 billion in December, compared with £10.1 billion a year earlier.
Starting from 31 January 2025, entry summary declarations will now be required for goods imported into Great Britain (GB) from the EU. This extends the already existing requirements to submit entry summary declarations for imports into GB from countries outside the EU and exit summary declarations for exports to the EU.
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. Having criticised HMRC’s phone service last year, the committee said the service was worse again since it’s last report. It said HMRC had “damaged trust in the tax system” as a result.
There are only a few days left now to file 2023-24 tax returns before the 31 January deadline. Failing to meet the deadline can result in penalties as well as interest on tax that’s paid late. If you are self-employed and usually complete your own tax return, you may find that the 2023/24 tax return requires you to complete extra entries due to basis period reform. There may also be additional tax to pay as a result.
A new scheme administrator tasked with helping businesses reduce packaging usage was unveiled last week. PackUK (called PecynUK in Wales) will also promote more sustainable packaging alternatives. As part of the UK’s four nation Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR) scheme, PackUK is being used to apply the ‘polluter pays’ principle. It will shift the cost of managing household packaging waste from taxpayers and local authorities to businesses that use and supply the packaging.
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.
HM Treasury has confirmed that the Chancellor will be hosting a series of Industry Forums in January and February with the aim of seeking views about the best way to deliver long-term growth in the sector and across the country. Financial services have been identified as a key growth-driving sector in the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy.
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