United Kingdom: Government Policy & Public Finance

The Fundraising Regulator has launched a consultation proposing new registration thresholds for free draw operators, requiring them to contribute 20% of ticket sales to charity—matching society lottery standards. These proposed changes follow the Government's publication of a Voluntary Code of Good Practice for Prize Draw Operators and could significantly impact how charitable free draws operate in the UK.

HMRC's March Agent Update introduces significant changes to employment tax administration, including quarterly reviews of the official rate of interest, new PAYE responsibilities for labour supply chains involving umbrella companies, and modifications to Overseas Workday Relief notifications. These updates will impact how employers manage tax compliance and reporting obligations from April 2026 onwards.

UK manufacturers face mounting workforce pressures in 2026 as immigration policy reforms reshape talent acquisition strategies. With net migration at a five-year low and Home Office enforcement at record levels, businesses must balance recruiting specialized talent against fundamental compliance risks that could result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation.

HMRC has announced that the introduction of mandatory payrolling for most Benefits in Kind (BiKs) will be delayed by one year, until 6 April 2027.

FICs are companies limited by shares (an "Ltd" or "Limited") and often established by parents and/or grandparents ("Founders") to benefit themselves and their family, as shareholders.

This gives rise to several practical issues, especially where a trade sale is not likely, or the existing management team are perhaps not in a position to be able to raise sufficient funds to affect...

The 2024 Autumn Budget, to be delivered on 30 October by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, may introduce tax changes including potential Capital Gains Tax reforms, Inheritance Tax adjustments, pension relief cuts, and alterations to non-dom taxation and furnished holiday lets.

With Chancellor Rachel Reeves's first Budget scheduled for Wednesday 30th October 2024, we have set out below, our thoughts on some of the rumoured tax rises required to address the nation's £20 billion deficit.

The UK King opened Parliament, announcing the Labour Government's legislative agenda, including bills on leasehold reform, renters' rights, national energy, infrastructure, crime, and digital security. Notably, the Pension Schemes Bill proposes retirement income solutions and early lump sum payouts for terminal illness.