Banks restrict lending to existing customers

More people are applying for loans but fewer are securing one, and those banks that are lending are only doing so to their existing customers

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:48:10 +0000

Battle looms over BA pensions

British Airways signalled the start of a protracted battle with the Pensions Regulator over the price tag on its retirement obligations, the outcome of which will be crucial to its tie-up with Spain's Iberia

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:07:24 +0000

Top bankers destroy value, study claims

Bankers should count themselves lucky they are being hit by a mere 50 per cent additional tax on bonuses, a report argues, because their benefit to society is negative

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:01:29 +0000

Investors urged to sell before next tax rise

Seven out of ten wealth advisers warn that capital gains tax will almost certainly be raised in a pre- or post-election Budget

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:56:33 +0000

It's not just bankers seeking a way round bonus tax

Fund managers, stockbrokers, and even some financial advisers will be hit by the new 50 per cent levy on "bankers'" bonuses

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:00:39 +0000

40 per cent tax to hit more middle-income taxpayers

Hundreds of thousands more taxpayers could be drawn into the 40 per cent income tax band over the next few years, accountants say, following a freeze on the higher-rate threshold and personal allowances in Alistair Darling's pre-Budget report (PBR) this week

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:11:10 +0000

Chancellor closes two inheritance tax loopholes

The inheritance tax (IHT) nil rate band is to be held at £325,000 in 2010, while the elimination of two loopholes in IHT rules may result in closer scrutiny of funds that are transferred into trusts used for IHT purposes.

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:07:21 +0000

Pension relief restricted for high earners

High earners are being advised to make contributions to their pensions now, before higher rate tax relief is scaled back further from 2011

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:08:27 +0000

Tax avoidance and evasion come under fresh assault

Tax avoidance and evasion are under siege as the government has introduced a range of measures to clampdown on both practices.

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:15:56 +0000

Energy efficiency

A boiler scrappage scheme and an exemption of all electric cars from company car tax for five years are part of a range of green measures to encourage consumers and businesses to become more energy efficient

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:03:57 +0000

Fall in income drawdown

Investors are taking a lower level of income from their pension investments in the stock market as a result of the economic climate, according to new research

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:06:06 +0000

Banks withdraw fixed rate saving deals

Banks and building societies are withdrawing many of their best savings deals, with fixed-rate products disappearing the fastest.

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:05:10 +0000

House prices higher than year ago

House prices rise year-on-year for the first time since mid 2008 in November as sales continued to pick up, in a sign of the rapid recovery in the housing market

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:53:06 +0000

Homebuyer loans hit 22-month high

The number of mortgages provided to homebuyers has reached its highest level for 22-months, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML)

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:29:57 +0000

Investors take fright at 'fiscal fiction'

Investors took fright at the perceived timidity of the government's plans to balance the books with one of the biggest sell-offs of British gilts this year

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:06:36 +0000