2007 news

'When I use a word, it means just what I choose it to mean - neither more nor less' said Humpty Dumpty. This is a useful quote to remember, especially when reading press releases from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The DWP announced earlier this week that from next year it proposes that those aged 60 and over will only get 3 months’ backdating of benefits rather than 12 as of now.

It is not uncommon for HMRC to lose letters and claims from their customers. When the Tax Credit Office loses tax credit claims it is the customer that is forced to claim again. This can mean a significant loss of tax credits. But HMRC’s own guidance says that claimants should receive one-off system payments when they can produce evidence of a lost claim.

If you are someone overcoming a disability or the parent or carer of someone who is, we hope our new brief guide to some of the tax matters that might affect you will prove helpful.

Investors who made a panic withdrawal from their Northern Rock Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) are to receive special consideration. But what does this mean for investors in future and will this create a precedent?