UK economy 'grows by 2.6%' in 2014

The UK economy grew by 2.6% in 2014, but experienced a slowdown in the final quarter of the year, according to the latest report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Read the whole article on our website.

Study suggests cost of business rising ahead of inflation

The Forum for Private Business (FPB) has released research showing that small business costs rose 3.1% last, despite falling inflation rates. Read more here.

Tax crackdown sees improved results

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) raised over £137 million from additional rate taxpayers in 2014. Read the whole article on our website.

Car insurance costs set to rise, says AA

Car insurance costs are likely to rise in the coming year, perhaps by up to 10%, according to the AA. Read more here.

New stamp duty rates announced for Scotland

Scotland’s Finance Secretary John Swinney has confirmed that the planned new rates of stamp duty on residential property in Scotland will be amended, following a recent review of the system. See our website for more.

Treasury invites suggestions for 2015 Budget

HM Treasury is encouraging interested parties to submit their ideas for consideration ahead of the 2015 Budget. Read more here.

Call for single EU threshold for VAT

A single EU threshold should be introduced for VAT, below which small businesses would not need to register for VAT MOSS, according to the business organisation Enterprise Nation. Click here for more.

Scottish stamp duty to be reviewed

Following a proposal in the Scottish draft Budget to review the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT), a discussion is underway to determine plans for the future of stamp duty land tax in Scotland. Read the whole article here.

4.5 million tax returns still outstanding as 31 January deadline nears

As the 31 January self-assessment deadline looms, HMRC figures suggest that 4.5 million online returns for the 2013/14 tax year have still to be filed, with 6.5 million having been submitted ahead of the deadline. Read more here.

Small business group warns of 'two-speed' digital economy

Nearly half of the UK’s rural small businesses are not satisfied with their broadband provision, and continued poor connectivity risks the emergence of a two-speed digital economy, according to research conducted by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Read more here.

Inflation reaches fifteen-year low

Inflation fell to 0.5% in December, the lowest rate since May 2000, the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics have revealed. Find out more here.

Government publishes guidance on new 'Fit for Work' service

The Government has published guidance on its new Fit for Work service, which aims to help tackle the problem of long-term sickness absence. Read the whole article on our website.

Osborne plans tax cuts for future Government

Chancellor George Osborne has announced plans to use a predicted budget surplus to cut taxes, should the Conservative party win the next election. Read more here.

Interest rates to remain at current low

The Bank of England’s (BoE) Monetary Policy Committee has voted to keep interest rates at 0.5% for at least another month, and rates are expected to remain low for the foreseeable future. Read the whole article.

Report calls for CPI inflation to be replaced

The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) should be abandoned as the UK’s main measure of inflation, according to a new report. Click here to read more.

Petrol prices nearing £1 a litre following further cuts

Petrol prices are edging closer to the £1 a litre mark, following the announcement of further cuts by the UK’s four biggest supermarkets. Read the whole article on our website.