The Spring Budget: What you need to know

Initial expectations for the Budget included speculated tax cuts, possibly influenced by the impending general election to win favour with the public. And while the Chancellor claimed a reduction of £29bn in taxes since 2020, closer examination of the figures reveals a different picture of tax rises amounting to £62bn once measures including frozen tax bands and allowance cuts are considered.

The substantial financial commitments to rescue the banking sector and support the economy during the pandemic have led to a significant national debt, prompting tax increases to maintain economic stability. With the tax burden reaching nearly 37% of GDP, implementing tax cuts, such as Jeremy Hunt’s proposal to abolish National Insurance, seems an impossible challenge without substantial cuts to public spending. Which, according to the thinktank, Progressive Economy Forum, has already surpassed half a trillion pounds. 

The key announcements 

The Budget covered several areas including:

• VAT threshold increase

• The extension of the Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS)

• National Insurance Contributions (NICs) cut

• Reforms to ISAs

• The elimination of non-domicile tax status

For businesses, the most important announcements include:

• The increase in the VAT threshold from £85,000 to £90,000 is estimated to help 28,000 small businesses. However, it has been criticised for not going far enough considering the significant inflation since the last threshold change in 2017. Additionally, the deregistration threshold, which increased from £83,000 to £88,000, will mean businesses that were previously eligible to deregister may no longer meet the criteria due to the higher threshold, leading to fewer businesses being able to exit the VAT scheme.

• The extension of the RLS with a £200m allocation. This has been designed to helpbusinesses still facing financial challenges due to the pandemic continue to accessloans that could be crucial to fuel investment, cover operational costs, or manage cash flow.

• A reduction in NICs from April 2024. Whilst employer’s NICs remain the same at 13.5%, the reform will help employees and the self-employed.

• The abolishment of the furnished holiday letting regime, which means that many properties held personally and run on a commercial basis may see their tax liabilities increase through the restriction of mortgage interest deductibility, as well as increased capital gains tax liabilities on disposal and exit.

• Additionally, the British ISA system is set for reform to encourage investment in UK assets by introducing a three-year British savings bond. Although, the interest rate offered for this bond is yet to be announced which will be crucial in determining the overall attractiveness of the product. 

In summary 

The Spring Budget 2024 includes a mix of tax cuts, reforms, and adjustments aimed at navigating economic challenges and promoting fiscal responsibility. But the proof will be in the pudding whether these measures are effective in the long run. 

Find more insight on the Budget from Wellers.