The latest figures show that the government had a surplus of £15.4 billion in January. This represents the difference between the tax it receives and what it spends.
Although this is the highest level of surplus for a January since records began over 30 years ago, it is lower than the £20.5 billion that was forecast. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) have said that the shortfall was mainly due to tax receipts being lower than expected and debt interest becoming more expensive.
The chancellor has set two fiscal rules: (1) day to day government spending is to be funded by tax income and (2) debt needs to be falling as a share of national income by 2029/30.
Although the OBR said that the measures announced in the Autumn Budget would provide £9.9 billion of headroom, this wriggle room may have been eaten up over the last few months.
This means that speculation continues on whether Rachel Reeves will need to raise taxes or cut spending when she announces her Spring Forecast on 26 March 2025.
We will keep you posted on any developments that come from that announcement. If you would like advice or an estimate on how recent tax changes have affected you, please contact us and we would be happy to help you.
See: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly4z233zp4o
For many sole traders and small business owners, reviewing their accounting system only happens when something forces the issue. For instance, many sole traders are currently looking at whether their accounting system meets the requirements for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.
UK inflation eased to 3.6% in the year to October, down from 3.8% in September, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).