1 General news
1.1 Queen's speech
Among the measures noted in the Queen's speech were the
following concerning tax: Legislation will be brought forward to
ensure people working 30 hours a week on the National Minimum Wage
do not pay income tax, and to ensure there are no rises in Income
Tax rates, Value Added Tax or National Insurance for the next 5
years.
www.gov.uk/government/speeches/queens-speech-2015
www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/430149/QS_lobby_pack_FINAL_NEW_2.pdf
1.2 Scotland Bill published
The Scotland Bill, published on the first day of the new
Parliament, is due to turn the all-party Smith Agreement into
legislation, with further devolvement to the Scottish Parliament.
It covers substantial new tax powers, in addition to measures
around new welfare powers, including benefits for carers and
disabled people together with cold weather payments and winter fuel
payments.