Ep 239: Labour's Halloween Budget Aims to Balance Tricks with Treats
Oct 31, 2024
auto_awesome
The latest budget reveals intriguing tax increases and public spending plans that could impact working individuals significantly. Changes to Employers National Insurance may hit NHS employers hard, affecting GP practices and small businesses alike. Capital gains and inheritance tax discussions clarify essential rulings for those with side ventures. A remarkable £22.6 billion boost to the health budget raises questions about NHS funding amid rising public sector pay costs. Fiscal drag and frozen tax thresholds paint a complex financial landscape for taxpayers.
The significant rise in Employers' National Insurance contributions is poised to create financial strain for NHS employers and GP practices.
Increases in capital gains tax alongside frozen inheritance tax thresholds complicate future financial planning for individuals and businesses alike.
Deep dives
Increase in Employers' National Insurance Contributions
The budget introduced a significant rise in Employers' National Insurance contributions, increasing the rate from 13.8% to 15%. This change is expected to generate substantial revenue for the government, impacting many employers, particularly within the NHS. Additionally, the threshold for when this tax begins will decrease from £9,100 to £5,000, meaning more employees will be subject to this charge. For example, an employee earning £30,000 will see an increase in costs for their employer of about £866 annually, raising concerns for GP practices that may struggle with funding in the wake of these changes.
Adjustments to Capital Gains Tax and Inheritance Tax
The budget confirmed increases in capital gains tax rates, with the lowest rate rising from 10% to 18% and the normal rate increasing from 20% to 24%. This change directly affects those with investments, including shareholdings and other assets, although residential property rates remain unchanged. Additionally, while inheritance tax thresholds will be frozen and not modified, other technical changes will impact business assets and pensions, which could complicate future planning for individuals. Specifically, pensions will no longer pass tax-free into estates after death, a change set to take place in April 2027.
Significant Spending Commitments with Constraints
The budget outlined a commitment to increase health spending significantly, with a £22.6 billion increase announced over two years. However, this figure is not entirely as it seems, as it also includes spending from the current year, leaving uncertainty about the actual additional funds for new initiatives. Rising costs due to increased Employers' National Insurance contributions and public sector pay settlements could further strain the budget. Healthcare providers, including GP practices, face difficulties in planning without clear information on how funding will be allocated moving forward.