“Bank of England says UK economy coping with higher rates”

Jul 12, 2023 | Economy

An independent (financial adviser’s) view

So here’s the good news. We plucky Brits are getting on with life in the face of rising interest rates, inflation and other economic misery. You can almost hear one of those wartime newsreel presenters: ‘Yes, even at Buckingham Palace, their majesties are sharing a bath to economise, so best you follow in the wake of our royals, Mrs.’ Digging below the Bank of England’s report’s headlines, it’s the banks that it thinks are doing OK, or at least better than they did last time around because, so far, less businesses and households are going belly-up financially. However, around 2..5m fixed-rate mortgages will come up for renewal later this year or next, and that could be the rub for many. Just in time for the next election. Which might, if one was being at all cynical, give a glimmer of hope. Perhaps for the arrival some much-needed bribes.

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“Reeves backs down on plans to cut ISA limit”

“Reeves backs down on plans to cut ISA limit”

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”

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”

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.