Latest blogs for Specialisms

The recent Budget announcements will bring an end to the tax advantages afforded to the owners of Furnished Holiday Lettings (FHL) and set them apart from the owners of normal residential properties.   At present, qualifying FHL’s provide a number of tax advantages: Unrestricted tax relief for mortgage interest Entitlement to claim capital allowances, including…

Our Whitings 2024 Annual Farming Seminar is just around the corner.   Farming always has to cope with changing environment, weather, commodity prices, political changes, etc. This year these challenges feel heightened and this is why we are pleased to welcome back speakers from the Andersons Centre to inform us of these changes and what…

Earlier this week, DEFRA added the closing dates for the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF).   If you’re a farmer, horticulturist, forestry owner or contractor to the any of the aforementioned, and you’re looking to improve productivity, manage slurry or improve animal health and welfare through the use of new technology and equipment, don’t…

On 6th March 2024, the abolition of the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) relief known as Multiple Dwellings Relief (MDR) was announced. The Reasoning HMRC’s tax reliefs evaluation programme has determined that MDR has not satisfied its original objectives. They have concluded that there have been numerous cases where the relief has been abused and…

What happens if your rental or Furnished Holiday Let (FHL) business makes a loss in the tax year and how can you use these losses to save tax.   For a business to make a taxable loss, the taxable expenses will be higher than the taxable income. These losses can be used in a few…

The Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority have announced a new grant initiative, which they have initially funded with £310k. Grants of between £5k and £30k are available to businesses that meet the following key criteria: Project criteria: Safeguard jobs Bring new products to market Invest in new technologies, processes or measures to improve productivity Eligible…

Let’s look at the 2024 Spring Budget for individuals. With the next general election on the horizon, Jeremy Hunt had no choice but to deliver an impactful Budget. Here is a summary of the main changes affecting individuals:   Class 1 National Insurance A fresh cut to primary Class 1 National Insurance contributions for employees from…

Spring Budget 2024, a Budget to lower taxes and achieve higher growth.   The Chancellor has announced that there is good news for the economy, with the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) confirming that inflation is currently at 4% and is likely to reduce below the Governments target of 2% in the next few months.…

Thinking of offering your property for short term lets? Planning permission may be required.   What’s Changing? From this summer the Government will introduce legislation to require owners of new short term lets in England to secure planning permission to use their properties for this purpose. You will need to be aware of this requirement…

Let’s ask the question, ‘How is the government supporting farmers?’   DEFRA shared a press release from the Prime Minister yesterday, citing his and his party’s commitment to farmers and rural communities.   We already know that Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and Countryside Stewardship payments are being increased across the board by approximately 10%, but…