James Browne, a senior policy adviser for the Tony Blair Institute, says business rates hikes spark predictable crises and temporary relief schemes that are costly and destabilising. While tenants feel the pain upfront, economic evidence shows that in the long run higher or lower business rates are actually felt by landlords through rent adjustments. He…

Mayor Michelle Wu of Boston remains committed to her controversial property tax shift bill, despite significant opposition. She said: “We cannot let it be that our state and our community can find the funds to host the World Cup but not get worked up about our seniors not being able to stay in their homes.”…

The Chancellor has indicated that only pubs will receive tax relief from the Government’s recent business rates U-turn, leaving other hospitality businesses without support. Speaking at the World Economic Forum, she said: “The situation the pubs face is different from other parts of the hospitality sector.” The decision has drawn criticism from industry leaders. “The…

Frank Bisignano, the Trump administration’s newly installed IRS leader, has signaled a stronger push toward technology-driven efficiency. Mr. Bisignano – named chief executive of the IRS in October while also serving as Social Security Administration commissioner – said the agency doesn’t need more staff despite significant recent workforce reductions, arguing instead for modernizing operations and…

Scotland’s recent Budget brought increased tax burdens on families and businesses, writes Donna Brennan, a partner at Weightmans. The Budget overlooked Scotland’s unique legal and tax position, she says leaving many Scots facing increased liabilities. Inheritance tax, based on UK-wide assumptions, does not align with Scotland’s distinct legal system and more than 1.5m Scots pay…

Rachel Reeves has rejected claims from Robert Gordon University that a windfall tax is causing 1,000 job losses a month in the North Sea sector. The report, authored by Paul de Leeuw, blamed the fiscal regime, which includes the windfall tax on profits. Critics, including Stephen Flynn of the SNP, accused the Chancellor of ignoring…