Consumers spending more on environment friendly goods

UK households are upping their spend on green goods and services, albeit slowly, a new report has revealed. ..[more]

EU businesses should not bear 'extra' climate change costs

Business groups attending the United Nations Climate Change conference in Copenhagen have warned that European firms should not be burdened with additional cuts in carbon emissions. ..[more]

'Uncertainty' over personal accounts pensions

The low profile given to plans for the introduction of personal accounts pensions, the government-backed workplace savings scheme, in the pre-Budget Report has created an element of confusion, the Commons Treasury Select Committee has heard. ..[more]

Simplified regulations cutting business costs

Measures aimed at reducing the administrative burden of complying with business regulations are now saving UK firms significant sums each year. ..[more]

Increase in national insurance contributions

The Chancellor's plan for an additional rise in national insurance contributions was one of his major announcements...[more]

Pre-Budget Report 2009: VAT

Changes to the flat rate VAT scheme have been announced in the pre-Budget Report. ..[more]

Pre-Budget Report 2009: business support

The Chancellor used the opportunity of the pre-Budget Report to commit the government to providing support for businesses during the economic recovery. ..[more]

Pre-Budget Report 2009: business tax

To the relief of smaller firms, the Chancellor has deferred the planned rise in the rate of small companies’ corporation tax. ..[more]

Pre-Budget Report 2009: an outline summary

Pre-Budget Report 2009: an outline summary ..[more]

Pre-Budget Report 2009: an overview

The Chancellor, Alistair Darling introduced a pre-election pre-Budget Report to the Commons that would, he said, “build a strong economy and a fair society”...[more]

Prompt payment will help smaller businesses

The government is urging very large companies to make sure that smaller suppliers are paid on time. ..[more]

HMRC announces new advisory fuel rates

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has published the advisory fuel rates that apply as from 1 December. ..[more]

Tax incentives and better regulation 'help' green policies

Tax breaks and a simplification of both regulations and information can help encourage more small firms to embrace environment friendly policies, a new survey has revealed. ..[more]

Business groups' wish lists for the pre-Budget Report

Over the past weeks, business organisations have been submitting their recommendations to the Chancellor ahead of the pre-Budget Report. ..[more]

What could the pre-Budget Report include?

A brief look at the options open to the Chancellor in his pre-Budget Report. ..[more]

Government to help firms suffering equity gaps

Large numbers of SMEs are being denied access to the finance they need to grow because they fall between the funding levels that venture capital firms and the banks are prepared to offer. ..[more]

More employees than ever planning to work longer

The effect of the recession on pensions, savings, investments and property values has pushed up the number of people who are contemplating longer working lives, a new study has revealed. ..[more]