Tom Selby: Phillip Hammond - The good, the bad and the ugly

Three years at the Treasury

clock • 3 min read

After Phillip Hammond's announcement he will quit as chancellor if, as expected, Boris Johnson becomes prime minister this week, Tom Selby assesses how his three years at the Treasury affected the UK's personal finances

The good * Income tax reforms boost workers: While Phillip Hammond's tenure has undoubtedly been dominated by a combination of austerity and Brexit, he has also introduced a number of reforms that have affected people's personal finances. Arguably the most significant intervention focused on lowering workers' income tax bills by raising the personal allowance. This stood at £11,000 when Hammond took the job in July 2016 and has steadily risen to £12,500 for the 2019/20 tax year - 12 months earlier than under previously announced plans. The point at which higher-rate income tax at 40% k...

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 Your profession

Most of our industry has forgotten what advisers actually do

Most of our industry has forgotten what advisers actually do

‘Providers have a responsibility to better support advice firms’

Mark Sanderson
clock 16 March 2026 • 3 min read
Government unveils changes to FOS operations after landmark review

Government unveils changes to FOS operations after landmark review

New ten-year limit for bringing complaints

Isabel Baxter
clock 16 March 2026 • 5 min read
Feel Good Friday: Wise Investment employee takes on the Great Wall of China for charity

Feel Good Friday: Wise Investment employee takes on the Great Wall of China for charity

Raising funds for Katherine House Hospice

Professional Adviser
clock 13 March 2026 • 1 min read