Government Expands Small Business Loan Guarantee Scheme — More Redbridge Firms Now Eligible
The Growth Guarantee Scheme is being significantly expanded, with longer loan terms, higher turnover limits, and an additional 12,000 businesses supported per year by 2028.
HMRC Proposes Mandatory Direct Debit for VAT and PAYE — Businesses Could Be Fined for Paying the Wrong Way
A consultation open until 16 August could lead to penalties for businesses that pay their tax bills in full and on time — but via bank transfer instead of Direct Debit.
Struggling to Open a Bank Account? Major Banks Must Now Make It Easier
The FCA found that people who qualify for a basic bank account were routinely being turned away or not told the accounts existed. Thirteen major banks have now committed to change
MPs Reject Government's Small Business Plan as Inadequate — High Street Operators Face Another Year of Inaction
A parliamentary committee says cost pressures on small businesses have intensified since February — and is demanding a stronger response within two months.
Rent-a-Room Relief: How Homeowners Can Earn £7,500 Tax-Free This Year
The Personal Allowance is frozen until 2031 — but combining it with HMRC's rent-a-room scheme means you can earn up to £20,070 before paying income tax.
Millions Face New Buy Now, Pay Later Checks From July 15
New FCA rules will require affordability checks on every Buy Now, Pay Later purchase, giving consumers stronger protections but making some transactions harder to approve.
Government Moves to Block Suspicious Pension Transfers Automatically
Pension scams are described by the DWP as "one of the most damaging forms of financial fraud." A new consultation aims to stop them before they happen.
The Hidden Pension Credit Rule That Could Cost You Up to £53 a Week
If you have more than £10,000 in savings, your Pension Credit entitlement is reduced — by £1 for every £500 above the threshold. Most people do not know this.
Free Bus Pass Age Has Changed — Check Your New Eligibility Date If You Were Born Between 1960 and 1961
The link between free bus passes and state pension age means thousands of people turning 66 this year will wait longer than expected before qualifying.
