Millions of pensioners living alone could be hit with higher council tax bills if Housing Secretary Angela Rayner scraps the 25% single occupier discount, potentially compounding financial pressures as they also face losing winter fuel payments.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Royal Mail chief warns Labour: support postal reforms or face the consequences
Royal Mail’s CEO warns Labour and ministers of accountability if postal reforms are not supported. Discover why changes to the universal service obligation are crucial for Royal Mail’s future.
State pension set to rise by £400 amid criticism of winter fuel allowance cuts
The UK state pension is expected to increase by over £400 a year, following backlash against Labour’s decision to means-test the winter fuel allowance for pensioners.
Labour scraps plan for ‘British Isa’ aimed at boosting UK stock investment
Labour is set to abandon the ‘British Isa’ scheme, designed to boost investment in UK stocks, citing concerns over market complexity. Investment platforms welcome the decision.
Fentimans warns glass tax could end 120 years of business
Fentimans, the historic soft drink maker, warns that proposed glass tax reforms could force it to close after 120 years, as industry leaders call for a government rethink.
UK private sector economy outpaces expectations in August despite tax concerns
The UK’s private sector economy grew faster than anticipated in August, with the PMI hitting a four-month high. However, businesses remain wary of potential tax hikes in Rachel Reeves’s first budget.
Aldi urges Starmer to fast-track planning permission for new supermarkets amid expansion delays
Aldi is lobbying Sir Keir Starmer to accelerate planning permission processes for new supermarkets as the retailer faces prolonged approval times from local councils.
Non-dom tax reforms could cost labour £1bn, warns Oxford Economics
Labour’s plan to overhaul the non-dom tax regime could cost the UK government up to £1 billion as wealthy individuals flee the country, a report by Oxford Economics has warned.
HPE vows to pursue £3bn damages claim against Mike Lynch’s estate following tycoon’s death
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) vows to continue its £3bn fraud lawsuit against the estate of late Autonomy founder Mike Lynch, despite his recent death. Learn more about the ongoing legal battle and its implications.
Business confidence wanes amid fears of energy tax hikes
Raising the windfall tax on the UK’s oil and gas companies could undermine the government’s goal of boosting economic growth, according to industry body Offshore Energies UK (OEUK). The group warns that the planned tax hike could slash investment, resulting in a £13 billion loss to the UK economy from 2025 to 2029 and putting 35,000 jobs at risk.
Younger Londoners lead the return to the office
Young Londoners are leading the return to office work, while older employees favour remote working, contributing to the UK’s slower office attendance compared to global rivals. Explore how this trend impacts productivity and the economy.
Australian property giant backed by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp looks at £4.4Bn Rightmove bid
REA Group, backed by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp, considers a £4.4bn bid for UK property portal Rightmove, aiming to create a global digital property powerhouse with leading positions in both Australia and the UK.
Mark Cuban’s poll reveals surprising preference for Trump over Harris as parents role model for children
Billionaire entrepreneur and Shark Tank star Mark Cuban recently sparked a debate on X (formerly Twitter) by asking his followers whether they would prefer Donald Trump or Kamala Harris as a role model for their children.
Victoria Beckham injects £6.9m into fashion empire after financial loss
Victoria Beckham injects £6.9m into her fashion and beauty business following a £3m loss in 2024, with a focus on expanding product lines and inventory. Discover the latest on her turnaround strategy.
Eton College to raise fees by 20% after VAT introduction
Eton College will increase fees by 20% from January 2025 due to the introduction of VAT on private school fees, with other prestigious schools also planning rises. Parents face tough decisions as costs surge unexpectedly.
