Government Announcements

The Government has opened a consultation document regarding income tax simplification for small businesses, including the introduction of a 'cash basis' for tax calculations and simplified expenses, following announcements made by George Osborne in the Budget.

The earnings thresholds for automatic pension enrolment will be aligned with tax and national insurance contributions, the Government has confirmed following consultations.

The Government has failed to get permission to appeal to the Supreme Court over the cutting of solar panel subsidies.

Changes to the child benefit system announced in the Budget will cause a 'high degree of complexity' in take up and HMRC administration, says the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT).

Businesses based in enterprise zones in Scotland, North Wales, and England are set to benefit from enhanced capital allowances, after announcements made in the Budget, but there is confusion over whether Northern Ireland is to be granted its first enterprise zone.

Chancellor George Osborne has been defending yesterday's Budget in a string of media interviews after accusations of hitting the elderly with reduced tax allowances and aiding the highest earners.

Chancellor George Osborne announced that the 50p top rate of tax will be reduced to 45p in April, and a further £1,100 increase in the personal allowance by 2013, in the Budget made earlier this afternoon.

A new Government backed loan scheme worth £20 billion aimed at boosting lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has been launched by the Chancellor.

The Government plans to double its spending on public sector contracts awarded to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), from £3 billion to £6 billion, it has announced.

Small businesses in the UK should take advantage of trade opportunities in the EU and on a global level to boost company growth and the UK economy, says business and enterprise minister Mark Prisk.