Phil Cook: For 'tax avoidance', read 'legitimate tax mitigation'

Focus on pensions, VCTs and EIS

clock • 2 min read

The government's intermingling of terminology covering tax avoidance and tax evasion highlights the need to take extra care with any form of planning that seeks to reduce tax liabilities, warns Phil Cook

The UK finds itself facing up to greater uncertainty following the outcome of the snap general election - and it is not just limited to negotiations with the European Union. Government spending patterns will no doubt change as the minority government increases spending to keep voters and MPs of all parties on their side. Tax avoidance will remain a key area for the Chancellor to raise money over this parliament to fund any increase in expenditure. The UK already has one of the lowest gaps between anticipated tax levies and those received but the squeeze is set to continue. The intermi...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Tax planning

Budget 25: Key takeaways from Autumn Budget 2025

Budget 25: Key takeaways from Autumn Budget 2025

Eight key takeaways

Linus Uhlig
clock 27 November 2025 • 4 min read
Partner Insight: Inheritance Tax, pensions and the waiting game: Conversations to have now

Partner Insight: Inheritance Tax, pensions and the waiting game: Conversations to have now

With Inheritance Tax expanding and pensions coming into scope, now is the time for advisers to engage clients. Discover how to turn uncertainty into opportunity with strategic estate planning conversations.

Nick Priest Partner and Head of Strategic Partnerships, Downing
clock 26 November 2025 • 9 min read
Budget 25: Changes to IHT on pensions rules for personal representatives

Budget 25: Changes to IHT on pensions rules for personal representatives

Will be able to instruct scheme administrators to pay

Isabel Baxter
clock 26 November 2025 • 3 min read