Cheshire East Council is considering raising council tax in the borough by up to 9.99% as part of its budget setting process, above the 4.99% normally allowed by government. Cheshire East Council’s Finance Sub-Committee has made the recommendation, and no decision on increasing council tax has … [Read more...]
News for: General Business
11.48 million file Self Assessment returns
More than 11.48 million people filed their Self Assessment tax returns on time for the 2024/25 tax year, HMRC has revealed. On deadline day, 31st January, over 475,000 taxpayers submitted their returns, with 27,456 doing so in the final hour before midnight to avoid a £100 penalty for late … [Read more...]
Former Homes England Chief Executive set to lead new Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority
The Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority Shadow Board is set to approve the appointment in principle of former Homes England boss Nick Walkley (pictured), as its interim Chief Executive when the body is established in March 2026. The appointment, if approved at the CWCA Shadow Board meeting … [Read more...]
65% rise in Self Assessment payments via HMRC app
The number of people using the HMRC app to pay their Self Assessment tax bill has increased by nearly 65% compared to the previous tax year. Almost 340,000 people have used the HMRC app to pay their Self Assessment tax since 6 April 2025, an increase of 132,788 people compared … [Read more...]
Office of the Small Business Commissioner recovers £10 million in late payments
£10 million in late payments has been paid to small businesses following intervention by the Office of the Small Business Commissioner (OSBC) since it was established in 2017. UK Government research has shown late payments cost the UK economy £11 billion per year with 4,000 businesses … [Read more...]
New car registrations surpassed 2 million in 2025
Annual new car registrations reached a post-pandemic high of 2.02 million in 2025, up 3.5% year-on-year, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has revealed. 2025 marked the third consecutive year of growth for the UK’s new car market, with a December surge in registrations taking … [Read more...]
Cheshire East Council consults on budget proposals
Cheshire East residents, businesses, and other stakeholders are being invited to comment on budget proposals setting out how the local authority intends to close its funding gap over the next four years. Following strong engagement in the recent budget prioritisation survey – which attracted more … [Read more...]
Companies House begins identity verification for company directors
Companies House has begun phasing in compulsory identity verification for company directors over the next 12 months from 18th November. Changes mean anyone who becomes a company director or person with significant control (PSC) will need to verify their identity with Companies House. This change … [Read more...]
Northern leaders call on Chancellor to back the region in upcoming Budget
Ahead of her Budget, The Great North mayors and combined authority leaders have written to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, calling for a commitment to invest in the region. The Great North is a Mayoral led partnership bringing together political leaders representing the Mayoral Combined Authorities of … [Read more...]
Cheshire and Warrington leaders meet to begin delivering devolution plans
Leaders of Cheshire and Warrington's constituent councils held their inaugural meeting to begin shaping the new Combined Authority and deliver devolution for the region. The newly established Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority Shadow Board met for the first time on Friday 31 October … [Read more...]
Northern businesses share in £180 million since the launch of second Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund
Businesses across the North have benefited from a total £180 million of investment since the launch of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II). With over 315 deals to date, the fund has directly invested £115 million into over 300 small businesses across the North of England, … [Read more...]
Fair Payment Code awards over 400 businesses
More than 400 businesses have been recognised by the Small Business Commissioner’s Fair Payment Code for their payment practices since it launched in December 2024. Late payments cost the UK economy almost £11 billion per year with 14,000 businesses closing each year because of late payments, … [Read more...]