“UK economy to shrink by 0.3% – the worst of any G7 country, as IMF warns of more turmoil”

Apr 18, 2023 | Economy

An independent (financial adviser’s) view

An ‘alternative’ (GB News) headline spoke of doom-mongering, Johnny-foreigners talking down our great economy. Yet on the same day The Economist told us that the US economy is going ‘from strength to strength’, and lies, damned lies and statistics aside, there’s no doubt we’re doing worse than most. Now I’m as much of an economist as most Brits are meteorologists, but that’s never stopped us talking about the weather; so here’s the thing. America is a low tax, privatised economy, but has had a huge government spend in the recent years. Most of Europe is high tax and, un-privatised with lots of stuff still state-owned. We’re high tax and mostly privatised with austerity-lingering amounts of public spending. Do the math. Which I think is what Rishi wants us all to be able to do, isn’t it? (And, PS, notice I haven’t even mentioned the ‘B’ word).

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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.