The Chancellor struck a very upbeat tone in the second Budget of 2021, increasing spending pledges significantly. But what were the key tax announcements?
On tax measures the Budget was extremely light. Perhaps this is understandable given the major reforms that were announced earlier this year (increases to rates of corporation tax, NI, dividends). But there were still some things to look for in the documentation, aside from those already announced earlier. Here are the highlights:
- An increase in the national living and national minimum wage rates
- A further extension to the annual investment allowance, which will remain at £1 million until 31 March 2023
- Confirmation that basis period reform will go ahead, with the transitional year in 2023/24, and an automatic spreading mechanism
- A cut in the Universal Credit taper rate from 63% to 55%
- A 50% cut to business rates in 2022/23 for businesses in the hospitality, retail and leisure sectors
- An increase in the rate of relief for three cultural activities, including museums and galleries
- An extension of the UK Property CGT reporting deadlines, from 30 days to 60 days
- The announcement that alcohol duty will be heavily simplified.
The full overview of tax legislation and rates, which contains links to the underlying policy notes, is now available here.