MPs 'misled' over Budget stealth tax, claims Steve Webb

‘Still time for scrutiny’

Julian Marr
clock • 2 min read

A letter being issued by the Treasury concerning a new tax introduced in the Autumn Budget has revealed MPs have not been told the full story about the change, according to Royal London director of policy Steve Webb.

Prior to the 2017 Budget, individuals with money invested through insurance companies benefited from a tax break that meant any investment growth that simply kept pace with inflation was not subject to tax. Last November, however, Chancellor Philip Hammond announced this ‘indexation allowance' would no longer apply from January 2018. In papers published on the day and still displayed on the gov.uk website, the government claimed: "This measure has no impact on individuals or households as it only affects companies." When the measure was announced, Royal London argued more than three mill...

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

Safeguarding clients in a world of increasing HMRC activity

Safeguarding clients in a world of increasing HMRC activity

'It is important that financial advisers stay informed and proactive'

Louisa Beciri and Tom Lewis
clock 23 April 2025 • 4 min read
IHT receipts swell to record £8.2bn for 2024/25

IHT receipts swell to record £8.2bn for 2024/25

10% higher than last year, commentators note

Jen Frost
clock 23 April 2025 • 2 min read
HMRC gears up for an increase in criminal investigations

HMRC gears up for an increase in criminal investigations

'Criminal investigations are reserved for the most egregious cases'

John Hood
clock 17 April 2025 • 4 min read