Bin the pensions triple-lock, or at least lower minimum annual increase, says Tory heavyweight November 26, 2016 Just days after the Chancellor confirmed the pensions triple-lock would be saved, a heavy hitting Conservative MP has once again reaffirmed his desire to have the promise binned. Stephen Crabb, the former work and pensions secretary as well as one of the candidates in the Conservative Party leadership race said that the triple-lock had achieved what was [...]
Compare the (annuity) market: Financial watchdog wants customers to be offered more choice November 25, 2016 The UK's financial watchdog will force annuity providers to tell customers to shop around after it found that 80 per cent of customers would get a better dealing by doing so. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) today revealed its own Black Friday push with plans for an "annuity comparator" to help people find out if there [...]
Early-stage businesses could rake in £25bn next year from retail investors, who want more risk and higher returns November 25, 2016 Early-stage companies could be raking in a combined £25bn from individual investors in 2017, a new report has estimated. Retail investors are planning to take more risks next year and may be looking to early-stage companies for higher returns, according to an analysis of the sentiment and expectations of 1,000 retail investors by crowdfunding platform SyndicateRoom. [...]
Fine wine investment has leaped since Brexit: These vintages will give you the biggest return on investment November 24, 2016 The market for wine investment has risen 20 per cent in the year to date, boosted by the Brexit vote, a new report has suggested. With uncertainties in traditional markets caused by the vote to leave the European Union, investors wanting to capitalise on weak sterling are looking for alternatives. Read more: It's happening: Majestic Wine is now offering next-day [...]
Hammond’s pension own-goal? Over-55’s flexible working under threat November 23, 2016 Tax relief on pension top-ups is to be drastically reduced for those already drawing an income from retirement savings. Over-55's drawing an income from pension pots can currently put £10,000 per year away tax free – known as the money purchase annual allowance (MPAA). But Chancellor Philip Hammond announced plans within his Autumn Statement to reduce the [...]
Pension triple-lock has been spared by Hammond despite concerns it was for the chop November 23, 2016 The pension triple-lock will not be abolished during the current parliament Chancellor Philip Hammond announced in the Autumn Statement. Some experts had anticipated the triple-lock – which guarantees that pensions to rise by the highest of average earnings, the consumer price index, or 2.5 per cent – might be for the chop. But Hammond confirmed that this would not [...]
Savers will be offered new government-backed investment bond next year November 23, 2016 Savers will be offered a new government backed investment bond at the next Budget, the chancellor said today. The three-year bond will offer a 2.2 per cent interest rate on deposits of up to £3,000, and will be available through NS&I. It will be open to those aged 16 and over, available for 12 months from spring [...]
Salary sacrifice schemes hit in Hammond’s first Autumn Statement November 23, 2016 Employee salary sacrifice schemes such as gym memberships will no longer be tax-free, the chancellor said today. Philip Hammond said in his Autumn Statement that certain benefits employees enjoy tax-free at the moment will no longer be exempt. The Treasury said that the tax and employer National Insurance advantages of salary sacrifice schemes will be [...]
Sir Philip Green won’t be giving up his yacht any time soon, the work and pensions committee hears November 23, 2016 Assets owned by Sir Philip Green will not be seized by authorities for some time, as the process to force the former BHS owner to plug the retailer's terminal pension deficit is "very much at the earlier stage". The chief exec of The Pensions Regulator (TPR) Lesley Titcomb answered questions on the failure of BHS in front of the [...]
Lifetime Isa: The making of a monster November 22, 2016 While the original intentions behind the design of the Lifetime Isa in 2014 were understandable, as its launch date nears, it is set to confuse the savings landscape and go against what it was initially crafted for. In his proposal, Michael Johnson said he created the Lisa because “under-35s are so disengaged from private pensions”. He [...]
