Probate fees changes – an election casualty few will mourn
The election has put a stop to planned increases in probate fees for England and Wales. Once a general election is called, there is usually a period known in parliamentary jargon as a ‘wash up’, during which outstanding legislation is … Continue reading
A round-up of Budget non-starters
The Spring Budget has become a victim of the snap election. Philip Hammond has not had much luck with what he said would be his first and last Spring Budget. His proposal to increase Class 4 national insurance contributions from … Continue reading
State pensions: not quite what was advertised
Most people reaching state pension age today are receiving less than the new state pension. A Freedom of Information (FoI) request from the Sunday Times revealed an interesting fact about the new state pension, which started life just over a … Continue reading
US interest rates go up, but the UK bides its time
The US central bank, the Federal Reserve, has increased interest rates for a third time. This might look like a piece of modern art, but it’s not. The illustration above is what has become known as the “dot plot”. Each … Continue reading
Introducing the new NS&I bond – is that it?
The Budget confirmed the rate on the new National Savings & Investments Bond. 2.2% That is the fixed rate on the “welcome break for hard-pressed savers” which Mr Hammond confirmed in last month’s Budget. The new NS&I three-year fixed rate … Continue reading
