Original Broadcast: This is Money
It's been a long time in the making and the idea has run through successive governments, but a new law to improve the life of those who rent their home has finally kicked in. Whether it's much-needed or much-feared depends on which side of the landlord fence you are on, but what's not in doubt is that the Renters' Rights Act is a massive shake-up. The assured shorthold tenancy system that has been the backbone of renting a home for almost forty years has been torn up and replaced with rolling contracts that tenants can get out of with two months' notice. Landlords, however, will find it much harder to get their property back, put the rent up, or even turn down pets. So, is this what the rental market needs, or is it likely to backfire as some property experts warn? With decades of experience of renting, covering the property market — and even helping with a family business that's involved in it — Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert dig into the Renters' Rights Act. Plus, the Bank of England held interest rates — but could it actually need to raise them three times this year? And what's behind the rocketing number of 45p/£ taxpayers and why isn't it Rachel Reeves' fault? Finally, travel experts reveal where is still cheap to fly to for the summer; so do you fancy a holiday in Cork, Dortmund or that old Wags' favourite, Baden-Baden?
Guests: Helen Crane
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HMRC is urging self-employed workers and landlords to prepare for one of the biggest changes to the tax system in years. Under the Government’s 'Making Tax Digital' programme, hundreds of thousands of taxpayers will soon be required to keep digital records and submit quarterly updates to HMRC, with the rollout starting on 6th April 2026 for those earning over £50,000. As the thresholds fall over the following years, millions more people — including those with side hustles or online income — could eventually fall within the new reporting rules. Joining Rory McGowan to discuss this is accountant and UK tax expert at HaysMac, Graeme Privett.
Guests: Graeme Privett
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The UK’s tax system is set for a major shake-up as the Government rolls out 'Making Tax Digital'. From the 6th April 2026, around 850,000 sole traders and landlords earning over £50,000 will move away from annual selfassessment and instead keep digital records and submit quarterly updates to HMRC. New research suggests awareness of the reforms remains mixed ahead of the rollout. Joining Rory McGowan to discuss this is Stuart Miller, Director of Public Policy & Tech Research.
Guests: Stuart Miller
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Original Broadcast: This is Money
The Government has announced plans for a cap on ground rent — is it a welcome policy that will finally fix a broken system or does it risk creating new problems along the way? Helen Crane, Georgie Frost and Lee Boyce discuss the plans first revealed on TikTok by the Prime Minister, what's potentially changing and when. Watch out — HMRC is about: stamp duty investigations are on the rise — is it all Angela Rayner's fault? And how do buyers find themselves in the crosshairs? 'Metal madness' is still in full swing with gold and silver on a tear up with some huge gains this week, but also some hefty falls. What's going on? NS&I has made some cheeky rate cuts but a cash Isa season seems to have erupted early — where can you find the best rates? And lastly: wood burners. Are they an environmental no-no, or can they help save money on your energy bills?
Guests: Helen Crane
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Original Broadcast: This is Money
Despite repeated assurances that Labour would not break its election manifesto by hiking income tax, it appears it is now under consideration by the Chancellor in the Autumn Budget. Why is Rachel Reeves mulling over this U-turn, how much would it cost us, and would she really dare to do it? Angharad Carrick, Helen Crane and Georgie Frost discuss. Speculation over a 'mansion tax' in the Budget has also reared its head again. The team discuss whether it's a good idea to tax people with pricey homes, and how on earth HM Revenue & Customs would decide whether someone's house is worth more than £2 million or not. Elsewhere, some good news in store, as Goldman Sachs has predicted the Bank of England will cut interest rates at its meeting next week. Does fading inflation and sluggish growth mean this is now on the cards, and would the Bank dare to make a move before the Budget beast is unleashed? The team discuss. They also look at why we're now paying three times the energy standing charges that we were six years ago, and why some chocolate biscuits can no longer call themselves chocolate.
Guests: Angharad Carrick,Helen Crane
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Inheritance tax has long been one of Britain’s most unpopular levies - and research shows why it’s becoming an even greater concern. Rising property prices, frozen tax thresholds, and upcoming changes to reliefs mean more ordinary families are at risk of being caught in the net. At the same time, many people admit they are financially dependent on inheritance, making the stakes higher than ever. Joining Rory McGowan to discuss this is inheritance tax expert and CEO and Founder of Level Group, George Williamson.
Guests: George Williamson
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Original Broadcast: This is Money
Rachel Reeves is in a sticky position ahead of the Budget. Forecasts suggest she will need £30 billion to balance the books — and having made such a fuss about the Tory 'black hole' and her fiscal rules, the Chancellor is in a bind. Problematically, the Government also painted itself into a corner with Labour's election pledge not to raise income tax, national insurance or VAT — which amount for two-thirds of tax revenue. So what can Rachel Reeves do? Should she fiddle at the edges and try to raise bits here and there, distorting behaviour with tax even more, or should she break that promise and hike one of the big three? Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert look at why the Chancellor is in a pickle and what leading economists at the IFS say she could do. And whether just because she could, does it mean she should? Plus, should you doom-prep your finances; why are millennials becoming landlords; and would you ride in a driverless taxi?
Guests: Helen Crane
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Original Broadcast: This is Money
It's the latest social media craze, allegedly — revenge saving. But what on earth is it and can it really encourage people to get into the savings habit? Lee Boyce, Simon Lambert and Georgie Frost dive into the world of revenge saving. And while this new buzz-term does the rounds, we have a stab at making our version — the mind-trick savings method. We discuss why you shouldn't get hung up on saving large amounts, chasing high interest rates and to visualise money like a snowball going downhill. Meanwhile, we look at the little known government savings account that has seen £220m in bonus payments — could you benefit from opening one? A current account with a 6% savings rate, but it’ll set you back a whopping £17 a month — can it really be worth it? Also, HMRC can now take money DIRECT from your bank account or ISA if you haven't paid taxes; and Steve Webb answers a reader question — why can't I get my state pension on my 66th birthday?
Guests: Sir Steve Webb
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Original Broadcast: This is Money
Pensions and inheritance are at the forefront of many people's minds ahead of the Budget. In her last Budget, Rachel Reeves announced she will pull pension pots into the inheritance tax net from April 2027. Meanwhile, there are concerns that pension tax-free lump sums and inheritance tax allowances could fall victim to another raid as the Chancellor tries to balance the books again. In this special episode of the This is Money podcast, Simon Lambert is joined by Lisa Caplan, director of Charles Stanley Direct Advice and Guidance and a regular guest in our weekly 'Investing Explained' feature. Lisa spends her days helping customers understand how to protect their wealth, make their pension last in retirement and, importantly, enjoy their hard-earned money. She discusses with Simon the questions people are asking right now about pensions and inheritance tax — and the answers she gives.
Guests: Lisa Caplan
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Original Broadcast: This is Money
Britain is suffering from an epidemic of people who are theoretically rich saying that they don't feel flush at all. If you're a higher-rate taxpayer on more than £50,000 then you are up in the top chunk of the country's earners, but chances are that unless you are well into six figures you don't feel particularly wealthy. Even many of those on £100,000-plus complain that they aren't comfortably living the lifestyles they expected when they dreamed of that kind of money. So, what's going on, what income does it take to make someone rich, does wealth matter more, or is it all to do with how much you have going out? As This is Money launches a new calculator that tells you how you compare, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert discuss the state of the nation's incomes. Also, where are the best places to retire to and how does Britain score, how hard is it to take your mortgage with you when you move and are EPCs a swizz. Plus, listen to Lee speak to Ross Kemp for a special 'Me & My Money' interview.
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