Candy Crush Commons saga: Investigation launched after MP Nigel Mills caught playing game in parliamentary meeting December 8, 2014 Would you rather talk about pensions or play a quick game of Candy Crush? We can guess most people’s choice, but it turns out politicians are no different to the rest of us. A Commons investigation has been launched after an MP admitted playing “a game or two” of the hit online game Candy Crush [...]
No love lost as Clegg hits out at chancellor December 8, 2014 LIBERAL Democrat leader and deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg ramped up the war of words against his coalition partners yesterday, accusing the Conservatives of needing to “come clean” over their plans for cuts. “Under George Osborne’s approach, once we balance the budget in 2017-18, they would want to pare back the state remorselessly, year in, [...]
Google Tax to prompt tech giants to kill Irish tax deals as government cracks down on avoidance tactics December 10, 2014 Rules, detailed by the government yesterday, aimed at clamping down on tax avoidance by tech giants including Google and Apple, could force US multinationals to start winding down “artificial arrangements” used to divert profits abroad. “What they’re trying to do is say ‘if you have a UK presence and if you are making UK sales, [...]
Six facts about the Autumn Statement December 4, 2013 1 IT’S not actually in Autumn. In fact it’s in winter. It used to be in November, sort of justifying its title, but since 2003 it has taken place in December. 2 But it’s a bit more catchy than the Pre-Budget Report – Labour’s rather uncreative moniker. 3 Unlike during the Budget, the chancellor does [...]
The going is tough – but so are we – Editor’s Letter December 4, 2014 The nights may be drawing in, but this time of year is still about hope shining in darkness. The latest Autumn Statement seemed the other way around: thick with uncomfortable truths beneath Osborne’s despatch-box bravado. Yet despite a stubbornly high deficit, warning lights flashing across the global economy, and business getting attacked for the sake [...]
Better apprenticeships will transform UK productivity July 12, 2015 Of recent proposals to boost growth and productivity in London, by far the most controversial is the Airports Commission plan to build a third runway at Heathrow. The government is split on the issue. Both Boris and his likely successor as Tory candidate for mayor, Zac Goldsmith, are bitterly opposed. Both represent west London constituencies [...]
Investment in North Sea oil on the backburner October 9, 2014 OIL AND gas operators may delay investing in North Sea operations until after the chancellor’s Autumn Statement, according to a new report from Deloitte. The report found that four deals were announced offshore UK in the third quarter of 2014, down slightly on the five transactions signed off in the second quarter, and significantly reduced from [...]
Autumn statement 2013: What to watch out for December 4, 2013 WHO: GEORGE OSBORNEWHEN: 11.15AM TODAYWHERE: HOUSE OF COMMONS WHAT WE ALREADY KNOW Business rate rises cappedRate rises will be limited to 2 per cent in England and Wales in 2014, not linked to inflation State pension reformRetirement age rising to 69 by late 2040s Paper tax disc abolishedVehicle exise duty (VED) to be paid online Tax-free childcare vouchersAvailable [...]
Autumn Statement 2013: What it means for UK entrepreneurs December 8, 2013 ENTREPRENEURS are rarely political animals and don’t often get involved in the dirty business of politics. However, there are few people who are more impacted – for better or worse – by public policy. As such, every time the chancellor stands up to speak, entrepreneurs and small business owners should take note. The news from [...]
George Osborne puts his money on roadbuilding and reveals Stonehenge tunnel plans November 30, 2014 Chancellor George Osborne will today unveil plans to build a tunnel under historic landmark Stonehenge, as he sets out how £15bn will be spent to overhaul British roads. The announcement marks the end of a long-running battle for a tunnel at the site, after plans were dropped seven years ago because of cost. Deputy prime [...]