Autumn Statement 2016.

23rd November 2016

The Chancellor has today delivered the Autumn Statement.  Whilst the speech was mainly focused on the economy and public finances, there were several announcements that may be of particular interest to investors.

Income Tax

As previously announced, the income tax threshold on 6 April 2017 will increase from £11,000 to £11,500 and the higher rate threshold will increase from £43,000 to £45,000.

Pension scams

The government will shortly publish a consultation on options to tackle pension scams, including banning cold calling in relation to pensions, giving firms greater powers to block suspicious transfers.

New NS&I Investment Bond

To provide support to savers NS&I will offer a new market leading 3-year savings bond. The indicative rate is 2.2% but this may be adjusted to reflect market conditions when the product is launched. The bond will be open to those aged 16 and over, subject to a minimum investment limit of £100 and a maximum investment limit of £3,000. The product will be available for 12 months from spring 2017.

National Living Wage

The Chancellor confirmed that the National Living Wage will increase from £7.20 to £7.50 an hour from 6 April 2017.

Pensions and savings tax

As previously announced, the government will continue to support savers by increasing the ISA limit from £15,240 to £20,000 in April 2017. The band of savings income that is subject to the 0% starting rate will remain at its current level of £5,000 for 2017/18.

Money Purchase Annual Allowance

The Money Purchase Annual Allowance is the amount you can contribute to a money purchase pension once you have taken income from your pensions. This allowance will be reduced to £4,000 from April 2017. The government does not consider that earners aged 55 and over should be able to enjoy double pension tax relief (such as relief on recycled pension savings), but does wish to offer scope for those who have needed to access their savings to subsequently rebuild them. The government will consult on the detail.

Salary sacrifice scrapped – with a few exceptions!

The tax and employer National Insurance advantages of salary sacrifice schemes will be removed from April 2017, except for arrangements relating to pensions (including advice), childcare, Cycle to Work and ultralow emission cars. Arrangements in place before April 2017 will be protected until April 2018, and arrangements for cars, accommodation and school fees will be protected until April 2021.

Letting agent fees

The government will ban letting agents’ fees to tenants, to improve competition in the private rental market and give renters greater clarity and control over what they will pay. It could also increase expenses for landlords.  The Government will consult on the issue before introducing legislation.