companies house made easy

staff parking "stealth tax"

The Forum of Private Business (FPB) has spoken out against a proposed Workplace Parking Levy (WPL) which will charge businesses for providing staff parking spaces.

one in one out with red tape

The Business Secretary, Vince Cable has announced plans to implement a 'one in, one out' system for regulation, to ensure that small businesses aren't burdened with higher costs for compliance.

an end to fixed retirement age

The government plans to scrap the fixed retirement age of 65 from October 2011.

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From 4th January 2011 VAT will be charged at 20%, as announced in the Emergency Budget.

The Chancellor expects that the 2.5% increase will raise an extra £13 billion each year for the Treasury.

Although zero-rated items such as food and books will remain exempt, it is thought that this rise will cost the average household a further £400 each year.

VAT is considered by many to be a regressive tax, one likely to impact the poorest harder than the well-off.

Other important headlines from the Budget include:

• Rise in NI threshold
• Corporation tax cut for SMEs
• Entrepreneurs’ relief increased
• NI breaks for start-ups’ first 10 employees
• CGT increased by 10% - but not for basic rate taxpayers