Introduction The two main political themes in recent updates remain, but appear to be nearing a conclusion. We now know that we will have a new Prime Minister in 2026, and probably a new Chancellor. There has been no market panic so far, but Andy Burnham’s spending plans will be closely monitored. Markets have been […]
The Government has launched a consultation on a new First Time Buyer ISA that would replace the Lifetime ISA (LISA), after concluding that the existing product is not working well for many savers. The consultation, published by HM Treasury on 23 June 2026, sets out the broad shape of the account but leaves several of the figures that determine […]
Andy Burnham, newly returned to Parliament, is the front-runner to become Britain’s next Prime Minister. As the only declared candidate so far, he is widely seen as Sir Keir Starmer’s likely successor, though nominations for the Labour leadership do not close until mid-July. Although Burnham is yet to formally announce any policies he’d like to […]
The Bank of England has held Bank Rate at 3.75% for a third meeting running, as it weighs falling energy prices against the risk that the Middle East conflict pushes inflation higher later this year. The decision was not unanimous. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted 7–2 to hold, with two members, Megan Greene and Huw Pill, […]
UK inflation was unchanged in May 2026. The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 2.8% over the year, the same rate as in April according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Higher transport costs were offset by slower food inflation. Transport prices rose 6.8% over the year, the steepest annual rate since December 2022. Air fares […]
May Economic Background: Equity markets rally despite deepening shortages in energy and commodities Gilt yields hit long-term highs SEC prospectus submitted for all-time largest IPO Click here to read more
Introduction May recycled many of the same headlines about the conflict in Iran, but with arguably less financial market noise accompanying it. Perhaps we have become a little numb to White House statements about a peace deal nearing completion and Iran denying it. The UK news cycle moved away from President Trump, and onto Prime […]
The new ‘High Value Council Tax Surcharge’, announced in the November 2025 Budget, could leave some families with an additional tax bill to settle from an estate under proposals from the government. The government published its consultation on 19 May 2026, setting out some of the potential structure for how the so-called ‘mansion tax’ would work […]
Inflation as measured by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Consumer Prices Index (CPI) measure of inflation was 2.8% in April. The figure fell from 3.3% in March 2026, helped by lower electricity and gas prices following changes to the Ofgem price cap and government measures to reduce energy bills. However, the relief may prove short-lived if […]