What It Means for Conservative Members and Supporters - and Why We Need to Return Our Own Councillors and MPs
Over recent months, the Government has announced a series of tax and regulatory changes that will reshape the financial environment for families, businesses, and investors. Many of these measures represent a significant shift away from the principles of stability, aspiration, and reward for hard work that Conservatives have long championed.
This article sets out the key changes now coming into force - and why they matter for our community, our economy, and the case for returning strong Conservative representation locally and nationally.
Key Tax and Policy Changes
1. Taxes on Work and Employment
- Employer National Insurance rising from 13.8% to 15%.
- Employer NI threshold cut from £9,100 to £5,000.
- Income Tax and NI thresholds frozen until 2031, pulling more people into higher tax bands.
2. Taxes on Investment and Enterprise
- Capital Gains Tax increasing from 10%/20% to 18%/24%.
- Business Asset Disposal Relief tightened: 10% → 14% → 18%.
- Investors’ Relief lifetime allowance slashed from £10m to £1m.
- Dividend tax, savings tax, and property income tax are all rising by two percentage points.
3. Inheritance Tax Expansion
- Unused pension funds brought into the IHT system.
- Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief are restricted.
- IHT thresholds frozen for longer, affecting more families.
4. Changes to Residency and Investment Rules
- Non-dom regime abolished, replaced with a residence-based system - ending a long-standing framework that attracted investment and talent to the UK.
5. Education and Property Measures
- Private schools to face 20% VAT and lose business-rates relief.
- Stamp Duty rising for second homes and buy-to-lets.
- Furnished Holiday Lettings regime abolished.
6. Savings and Pensions
- Cash ISA allowance cut to £12,000 for most under-65s from 2027.
- Pension salary sacrifice NI advantage capped from 2029.
7. Energy, Environmental, and Transport Taxes
- Energy Profits Levy increased and extended.
- Oil and gas investment allowances reduced.
- New duties on vaping products.
- Higher tobacco duties, Vehicle Excise Duty, Air Passenger Duty, Climate Change Levy, and Plastic Packaging Tax.
- Electric vehicles are fully brought into VED.
- New mileage tax for electric and plug-in hybrids.
- Introduction of a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.
Why These Changes Matter
These measures collectively represent one of the most extensive tax expansions in recent memory. They affect:
- Working families
- Small businesses and entrepreneurs
- Savers and pensioners
- Investors
- Rural communities
- Parents choosing independent education
- Anyone relying on stable, predictable taxation
For many in our area, these changes will mean higher costs, reduced incentives to invest, and greater pressure on household budgets.
Why We Need to Return Conservative Councillors and MPs
Strong Conservative representation — locally and nationally — ensures that the voice of enterprise, responsibility, and aspiration are heard clearly. Our councillors and MPs champion:
- Sensible, stable taxation
- Support for small businesses and rural communities
- Protection of family finances
- Policies that reward hard work and investment
- A long-term vision for a competitive, high-growth Britain
At a time when taxes are rising across the board, it is more important than ever that our communities have representatives who understand the pressures facing local families and businesses - and who will fight for a fairer, more balanced approach.
Conclusion
The tax landscape is changing rapidly, and not for the better. By returning strong Conservative voices to our councils and to Parliament, we can help restore the principles of stability, aspiration, and opportunity that have long underpinned our nation’s success.
