“Government to sell 7.7% stake in RBS”

Jun 5, 2018 | Banking

Tags: RBS, shares, UK Government
An independent (financial adviser’s) view

Of course the government has to sell off its shares in RBS. Can you imagine what might happen if it stayed in public ownership? It would be full of civil servant-types, making sure everyone stuck to the rules. There’d be no more huge bonuses; in fact, it might be run like some kind of overstaffed public service, with branches everywhere and cashiers at every window. Obviously not a vote-winner.

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“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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