Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling has delivered a Budget Report against a background of recession and with little in the way of good news for UK business in the short to medium term. He did dangle the odd carrot in the medium to long term in an attempt to keep the UK taxpayer motivated. Sadly some of the suggestions of increases in taxation to fill the gap in the economy did get announced and in addition we saw some new initiatives to close down tax avoidance schemes and some new compliance initiatives. These initiatives are clearly introduced with a view to raising revenue.

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The Chancellor has not only brought forward proposals which were to take place in 2011, he has also made changes to his original announcements.

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Pension contributions made by an individual are usually paid net of basic rate tax. Where the individual is a higher rate taxpayer further relief is due which significantly reduces the net cost of the contribution.

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Under current rules businesses already have a number of mechanisms to relieve trading losses against other income including past trading profits.

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Additional capital allowances are to be available for expenditure incurred by a business in the 12 month period (starting 1 April 2009 for companies and 6 April 2009 for individuals and partnerships).

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The standard rate of VAT was reduced from 17.5% to 15% for the 13 month period 1 December 2008 to 31 December 2009. HMRC have confirmed that the standard rate of VAT will revert to 17.5% from 1 January 2010.

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A package of measures is being introduced to simplify and modernise the VAT system for cross-border trading and to counter fraud across the EU.

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As you are no doubt aware, shares in Bradford & Bingley plc were taken into public ownership last year. HMRC have issued guidance relevant to former shareholders and employees who were members of employee share schemes.

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HMRC bank account details for paying self employed Class 2 and voluntary Class 3 National Insurance Contributions have changed. HMRC have advised that individuals will need to use the new account details when making a payment.

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Alistair Darling made a late change to the impact of business rate rises which were due to take effect in England from 1 April 2009.

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