“All MPs to be sent Secret Barrister book after campaign”

Jun 18, 2018 | Government

Tags: House of Commons, Theresa May
An independent (financial adviser’s) view

’The Secret Barrister’ exposes the scandalous extent of recent cuts to legal aid. A couple of examples: increasing numbers are having to defend themselves in magistrates courts where conviction rates are now over 60%; in Crown Courts, they’re less than 25%. And in the same budget, duty on beer and cider was reduced and frozen at a cost of £300m while legal aid cuts saved £200m.

In contrast, if you want to complain because you couldn’t access your TSB account online or your Visa card wouldn’t work, the banks will have to pay the Ombudsman’s costs (£550) whether you win or not. All a question of priorities, I’d say as many voters apply the ’no smoke without fire’ principle to, and have little sympathy for either banks or those who end up in court.

Read more here

“Reeves backs down on plans to cut ISA limit”

“Reeves backs down on plans to cut ISA limit”

May 21, 2025 |

So it looks as though Cash ISAs are safe for the moment (FTM – is that a thing?) Rachel has apparently ‘bowed to pressure’ from the banks and building societies and decided not to reduce the allowance to £4,000 for cash and to keep the £20,000 parity with Stocks and Shares ISAs. Bowed also to common sense, I’d say.

“Two thirds of adults are worried about care costs in later life”

“Two thirds of adults are worried about care costs in later life”

May 20, 2025 |

A dichotomy/dilemma here. Two thirds of adults are probably right to be worried about the cost of care, which is huge and getting more so. Many of those currently worrying will have had first-hand experience with their own parents, which will have focused their minds on their own possible future.

“Why most won’t need to worry about IHT on pensions”

“Why most won’t need to worry about IHT on pensions”

May 15, 2025 |

Many a government has made the point that only a minority will be affected by this or that tax change or tinker. It is, however, both perception and aspiration which are important, and they are what makes IHT the ‘most hated’ of all taxes – along with all the others, of course.

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