The Chancellor's first Pre-Budget Report has said that inheritance tax threshold for couples will rise to from £300,000 to £600,000 from today and then to £700,000 by 2010, in answer to the Conservative pledge to raise the threshold to £1m at their party conference last week. Mr Darling also predicted that UK economic growth is expected to be between 2% and 2.5% next year and 2.5% to 3% for 2009/2010. Mr Darling also said that loopholes for non-domiciled tax payers are to be considered following plans set out by the Conservative party last week: Mr Darling said Conservative plans to charge a flat rate of £25,000 to non-doms would mean only 15,000 paying, which would raise £650m a year, not the £3.5bn which was claimed by the Shadow Chancellor George Osborne. Under Labour, Mr Darling said that non-domicile taxpayers will face a charge after seven years and tax after ten in plans to be finalised and which would also raise £650m. Mr Darling also stated that the budget for Defra budget will rise to £4bn in three years' time, including £800m by 2010 for flood defences. For more visit www.treasury.gov.uk.
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Six rural properties with space, charm and endless views, as seen in Country LifeWe take a look at some of the best houses to come to the market via Country Life in the past week.
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Exploring the countryside is essential for our wellbeing, but Right to Roam is going backwardsCampaigners in England often point to Scotland as an example of how brilliantly Right to Roam works, but it's not all it's cracked up to be, says Patrick Galbraith.
