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

Advisers urged to remain 'alert' as LPA financial misconduct complaints rise

Advisers urged to remain 'alert' as LPA financial misconduct complaints rise

Alleged LPA financial misconduct complaints rose to almost 12,000

Sophia Panayi
clock 12 October 2026 • 3 min read
News editor's view: Taxing questions for advisers

News editor's view: Taxing questions for advisers

The news editor's Friday Night Takeaway from 9 October

Isabel Baxter
clock 09 October 2026 • 2 min read
Why the new chancellor must rebalance growth and consumer protection

Why the new chancellor must rebalance growth and consumer protection

'Healy should re-empower the FCA to unleash the full potential of Consumer Duty'

James Daley
clock 09 October 2026 • 3 min read