The Queen’s Speech has revealed Income tax, VAT and National Insurance will be frozen for five years, helping the people of Britain to build up their savings and investments. Queen Elizabeth II spoke at the State Opening of Parliament, setting the new Conservative Government’s agenda for the next five year term.
As well as freezing certain taxes, Her Majesty said that legislation will be brought forward to ensure people working 30 hours a week on the National Minimum Wage do not pay income tax.
The new Government will be prioritising “economic stability and security at every stage of life”, reducing the deficit and increasing living standards. There was also focus on education and the National Health Service and a reference to a rise in the State Pension.
Plans to give greater powers to Scotland and Northern Ireland were confirmed, as well as English votes for English laws were confirmed, and early legislation will be introduced to provide for an in-out referendum on membership of the European Union before the end of 2017.
Although most of the measures were not unexpected, they confirm the new Conservative Government’s intentions.
Calum Bennie, savings expert at Scottish Friendly said: “To a large degree, the focus for the new Government is to help people build up their level of personal wealth. By placing a five-year freeze on income tax, VAT and National Insurance, the Government hopes this will naturally alleviate the financial burden of many in the UK. The Government’s support for small businesses could also help stimulate growth and job creation, with the aim of improving the financial lot for many.”
Tim Walford-Fitzgerald, personal tax expert at chartered accountants, HW Fisher & Company was less optimistic however: “It’s hard to criticise the government’s manifesto pledge to ensure that low-earners won’t pay income tax if they’re working 30 hours a week on the minimum wage. For many in part-time jobs, it’ll be a welcome financial shot in the arm.
“But the much-vaunted five-year ‘tax lock’ is not as straightforward as it looks - it could be easily picked. Freezing rates doesn’t mean a zero increase in the burden from income tax, VAT and national insurance.”