Welcome to the February 2020 Newsletter from Walsh & Co

The Chancellor recently announced that the 2020 Budget will be delivered on Wednesday 11 March. The 2020 Budget will be the first to be delivered after the UK's scheduled departure from the EU on 31 January.

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) recently suggested that average household debt is higher now than it was during the 2008 financial crisis. Unsecured household debt increased to £14,540 in the third quarter of 2019.

Meanwhile, the World Economic Forum (WEF) has called for UK businesses to act now to combat climate change. However, the WEF believes most firms are 'ill-equipped' to do so.


Average household debt higher now than during financial crisis, study suggests

According to a study carried out by the Trades Union Congress (TUC), UK average household debt is now higher than during the 2008 financial crisis.

Average household debt is currently 31% above its peak before the financial crisis, the TUC said.

The study revealed that unsecured household debt rose to £14,540 during the third quarter of 2019, representing a rise of £430 when compared to the same period in 2018. Total unsecured debt increased to £407 billion in the third quarter of 2019.

The TUC believes the key reasons for weaknesses in wages are a low minimum wage, job insecurity, slow wage growth and a decade of austerity. It has called for the National Minimum Wage (NMW) to be raised to £10 an hour 'as quickly as possible'; a ban on zero-hour contracts; stronger work rights for insecure workers; and an investment plan to 'boost growth across the nation'.

'The reason we're seeing this is bad management of the economy,' said Frances O'Grady, General Secretary of the TUC.

'Wages are still worth less than a decade ago. Too many people have insecure jobs with uncertain hours.

'No more excuses – the government must put together an urgent plan to improve living standards and to help families struggling with dangerous levels of debt.'


WEF states businesses must take action to combat climate change

In a new report, the World Economic Forum (WEF) has stated that businesses must take action now to tackle climate change.

In its latest Global Risks Report, the WEF suggested that most businesses are 'ill-equipped to address climate change risk'.

The WEF's Global Risks Report is part of its Global Risks Initiative, which brings stakeholders together in order to develop 'sustainable, integrated solutions to the world's most pressing challenges'.

The report stated that many firms 'may not be planning for the physical and financial risks that climate change may have on their activities and across their value chains'.

The WEF surveyed business leaders and found that none of their top ten business risks are environmental in nature. The Forum urged businesses to 'reassess assets, reconcile trade-offs and develop new capabilities to move towards a more sustainable model'.

Commenting on the issue, Peter Giger, Group Chief Risk Officer at Zurich Insurance Group, said: 'It is critical that companies and policymakers move faster to transition to a low carbon economy and more sustainable business models. We are already seeing companies destroyed by failing to align their strategies to shifts in policy and customer preferences.'


ESSENTIAL TAX DATES FOR FEBRUARY

2 February
Deadline for submitting P46(Car) for employees whose car/fuel benefits changed during the quarter to 5 January 2020.

19 February
PAYE, Student loan and CIS deductions are due for the month to 5 February 2020.


QUOTE OF THE MONTH

'If someone calls you claiming to be from HMRC saying that you will be arrested, that we are filing a lawsuit against you or even that you are owed a tax refund, and asks for information such as your name, credit card or bank details, then it's a scam.'

Spokesperson for HMRC, commenting on ways in which taxpayers can recognise scams and avoid falling victim to criminals.


WEBSITE OF THE MONTH

www.bmmagazine.co.uk

Supplies insights into issues affecting UK businesses.


ON OUR WEBSITE

A wealth of resources for businesses
With topics ranging from Making Tax Digital to preventing late payments, the Your Business section of our site is a hub of essential information.

Useful information for individuals
For a comprehensive bank of guides covering inheritance tax planning, pensions tax reliefs and much more, please visit the Your Money area of our website.


IN THE NEWS

New legislation aims to tackle late payments
New legislation is being introduced to Parliament that aims to tackle late payments and strengthen the powers of the Small Business Commissioner.
Click here for the full story

Government promises review of student loans repayment system
The government has vowed to undertake a revamp of the current student loans repayment system.
Click here for the full story

HMRC issues guidance on recognising phishing emails
HMRC has issued guidance on recognising genuine Revenue contact and phishing emails.
Click here for the full story

Government launches review into off-payroll working rules
The government has launched a review into the new off-payroll working rules, known as IR35, that are due to come into effect on 6 April 2020.
Click here for the full story

HMRC raises £5 billion from fraud investigations
HMRC raised £5 billion last year through fraud investigations, according to the latest data from the tax authority's Fraud Investigation Service (FIS).
Click here for the full story