Budget 2008

Budget may have underestimated risk to economy

Mon, 07/04/2008 - 11:16

Alistair Darling may have underestimated the risks facing the UK’s economy in his 2008 Budget, a report by the Treasury Select Committee has warned. Read more

Money worries haunt consumers

Update: Wed, 19/03/2008 - 14:35

The rising cost of living and global financial turmoil have hit consumer confidence hard with 30% fearing they won’t be able to cope financially for much longer. Read more

Cut your tax bill with charitable giving

Update: Fri, 14/03/2008 - 16:32

Charities will now be exempt from the 2% cut in income tax this April, meaning they can still claim gift aid on donations. Rebecca Atkinson looks at the most tax-efficient ways to give to charity. Read more

Darling scraps VAT on venture capital trusts

Update: Mon, 17/03/2008 - 11:53

Management fees on venture capital trusts and investment trusts will be exempt from VAT, Alistair Darling’s Budget has confirmed. Read more

Council tax rates to increase by over 5%

Update: Mon, 17/03/2008 - 11:54

Council tax bills are likely to increase by 5.1% in 2008/09 despite the government urging councils to keep increases substantially below this level. Read more

Government does u-turn on trust tax

Update: Mon, 17/03/2008 - 11:55

Alistair Darling has extended the deadline for interest in possession trusts to avoid inheritance tax. Read more

Tax-free pension loophole closed

By Sarah Modlock Update: Mon, 17/03/2008 - 11:56

The Budget has revealed that a loophole allowing pension funds to be passed on tax-free at death has been closed. Read more

New tax-break on small pensions

By Rhian Nicholson Update: Mon, 17/03/2008 - 11:58

Retirees with very small amounts of money in occupational pension schemes will be able to take out up to £2,000 tax-free under new rules announced in today’s Budget. Read more

Darling fails to take action over slowing housing market

Update: Mon, 17/03/2008 - 11:57

Alistair Darling’s Budget has failed to offer any immediate support to struggling home owners or first-time buyers despite the faltering property market and threat of negative equity. Read more

UK growth forecast cut

Update: Mon, 17/03/2008 - 12:00

Alistair Darling has cut the UK economy's growth forecast for this year in his inaugural Budget speech. Read more