Hugi Clarke: Why 2017/18 failed to beat the all-time VCT record

Regulation and suitability

clock • 4 min read

Two factors largely prevented the last tax year from overhauling the all-time VCT fund-raising record but, explains Hugi Clarke, both are temporary - or at least are capable of being dealt with by financial advisers

Last month marked the close of an exceptional tax year for venture capital trusts (VCTs), with a total of £728m invested. Not only was this 34% higher than last year's total of £542m - and the sixth yearly increase in succession - it comfortably broke the record for the highest amount raised since income tax relief was set at 30% 12 years ago, and was second only to 2005/06 when income tax relief stood at 40%. Despite these impressive statistics, the figure left some wondering what might have been. Such was the pace of VCT fundraising in the last quarter of 2017 and the volume of supply ...

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

TISA and industry urge government to rethink IHT on pensions

TISA and industry urge government to rethink IHT on pensions

Research proposes simpler alternatives

Isabel Baxter
clock 14 July 2025 • 5 min read
Supreme Court hands down landmark ruling in banker's divorce tax planning case

Supreme Court hands down landmark ruling in banker's divorce tax planning case

‘Significant implications for treatment of non-matrimonial assets on divorce’

Isabel Baxter
clock 02 July 2025 • 6 min read
IHT rule changes spark adviser-led surge in estate planning and charitable giving

IHT rule changes spark adviser-led surge in estate planning and charitable giving

Upcoming changes already beginning to influence charitable will-writing and estates market

Isabel Baxter
clock 16 June 2025 • 3 min read