News:

We are pleased to report that David, who worked for us on a consultancy basis, has successful applied for a permanent position with a national firm. We are very pleased for him, and although we will miss his stories of thespian derring-do and the tribulations of gardening in Garforth, we are cheering David on as, in his own words, he moves “onwards and upwards”.

April Fools Day had its moments – but 650 grown men and women arguing on the banks of the Thames was the cause for little wit beyond irony. Five days later, as we move into the new tax year, a few small but positive changes may bring a bit more cheer. From the 6th of April income tax rates in England & Wales will remain the same, but the income tax bands will move in taxpayers’ favour.  The personal allowance increases by almost 5.5%, and the basic rate band widens by almost 9%, which combined should save the average Britain around £130 in tax each year.  For investors we’ll see a very minor increase in the capital gains tax allowance,…[...more]

In marked contrast to the fog and confusion in the press, a referendum held on Valentines Day delivered a clear result of 87% in favour of adopting the Ripon City Plan, a neighbourhood plan under which local residents now have more of a say in planning decisions. Only residents of Ripon were eligible to vote, and turn-out was not particularly high at 22%, but the plan has been approved and has legal force. Haydn, Marie and Michael all live in Ripon and all voted, so it has been a pleasant distraction from the subject of the other referendum.  

It is with deep gratitude and not a little sadness that we wish Freda Whincup a very happy retirement. With 32 years under her belt at Maunby after raising her family, Freda has been a constant and abiding feature as Maunby has evolved around her, and it was to her credit that she adapted so well to the wholesale changes to our profession since she started in 1986. Freda, we salute you and wish you every happiness in your well-earned retirement.

During the festive period the London markets close early on the last working day before Christmas and New Year.  We will therefore be closed from 1pm onwards on the 24th and 31st December, although on all other business days we will be available as usual.  We hope you have a very merry Christmas and wish you a prosperous 2019.

  Last weeks budget can be summed up as safe, and we’re inclined to agree. The two shibboleths of inheritance tax and pensions were both avoided by the Chancellor – a review of the former by the Office of Tax Simplification is due to be published later this year, though we suspect that the Treasury already know what the report will say. And pensions didn’t merit any words, wise or otherwise. PFI was abandoned, leaving £200bn of liabilities on the governments balance sheet. Wine will be taxed a little more, but not beer, and the fuel duty escalator remains stationary. More money will go to the NHS, to schools and to defence, the self-employed are going to be stung for…[...more]