A better quarter

The third quarter of 2016 was not the meltdown it threatened to be after the referendum. The final days of the second quarter of 2016 were dominated by the fall-out from the outcome of the referendum on 23 June. It … Continue reading

What role does property play in retirement planning?

There has been a difference of opinion on the role of property in retirement planning between the Bank of England’s Chief Economist and a former Deputy Governor. Andy Haldane, Chief Economist at the Bank of England, caused a few raised … Continue reading

HMRC plans another turn of the anti-avoidance screw

In August, HMRC published a consultation document on adding a new weapon to its anti-avoidance armoury: penalties on ‘enablers’. While many were enjoying their holidays, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) released yet another paper examining ways of “strengthening tax avoidance … Continue reading

Pensions freedom: taking too much or too little

New statistics have been published showing just how much has been withdrawn in the first year of pensions freedom. In August, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) published data showing how much had been withdrawn from pension arrangements in the … Continue reading

The six figure pension fund

The fall in interest rates is boosting some pension transfer values. Pension scheme deficits have been hitting the headlines again, and not just those of BHS. The Bank of England’s efforts to bolster the post-referendum economy have been to blame. … Continue reading