Sarah Coles, head of finance, Hargreaves Lansdown: “2023 hasn’t been a golden year for our finances – with rising prices, mortgage rates and tax – and falling growth, house prices and morale. On paper, 2024 is looking more positive, with inflation, tax rates and childcare bills all set to drop. However, that’s not the full picture, because most tax thresholds have been frozen, and two of them are actually set to fall, so there’s a good chance a huge chunk of people will still be worse off by the time we struggle to the end of 2024. 1 January: new energy price cap The energy price cap will rise £94 (5%) from £1,834 to £1,928, after conflict in the Middle East sent oil and gas prices higher. It’s worth bearing in mind that this isn’t a fixed cap on the most you can pay: it’s a cap on prices for the average user. If you burn through more energy, or live in a large or draughty house, you could see prices rise even further. 6 January: National insurance cut Class 1 NICs, which are paid on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270, will be cut by 2 percentage points, from 12% to 10%, saving an average of £304 for basic rate taxpayers, £647 for higher rate taxpayers, and £707 for additional rate taxpayers. Sadly this isn’t the shot in the arm it appears, because frozen income tax and National Insurance thresholds will still mean we pay more tax in 2024. 31 January: Tax return deadline March: Rail fares rise Normally the government uses July's Retail Prices Index (RPI) measure of inflation to determine the increase in regulated fares the following year – although at times of very high inflation it can cap this. Last year the rise was effective from 5 March. 23 March: Temporary cut to fuel duty ends The 5p fuel duty cut was announced in March 2022, then extended another 12 months in early 2023. Unless we hear otherwise before this date, this is when it ends. However, we’re likely to get a Spring Budget before this point, so there’s hope. 31 March: Energy price guarantee ends The scheme, restricting average bills to no more than £3,000 for an average user, officially ends today – although the price cap is highly likely to have been below the guarantee since July 2023, so the guarantee hasn’t been called on since then. April: 15 hours of free childcare for the under twos Working parents will receive 15 free hours a week for children under the age of two, as the first step along the road to secure 30 hours of free childcare for all children from nine months to the start of school between now and September 2025. 1 April: New energy price cap comes into effect This is predicted to fall slightly from the January level. 1 April: TV licence fee rises The government is responsible for setting the level of the licence fee. In 2022, it announced that the fee would rise in line with inflation for four years from 2024. 1 April: Car tax rises This will rise in line with RPI. 1 April: Council tax rises Council tax rises on 1 April, but we’ve not yet had confirmation of how much by. 1 April: National Living wage and minimum wage rise takes effect On the 25th anniversary of the minimum wage, the National Living Wage will rise to £11.44 an hour – up almost 10% from £10.42, and the age threshold will fall from 23 to 21. 18-20-year-olds will also see pay rise to £8.60 per hour – up £1.11. The minimum hourly wage for apprentices will rise too. 1 April: Water bill price changes come into effect Several factors are used to determine changes in water bills, including the October inflation figure of 4.6%. 1 April: Air passenger duty rises Rates will rise with RPI, so the cheapest tax on domestic flights will be £7 and on international flights it will be £13. The rate increases with the class of the flight and the distance, so an economy flight of more than 5,500 miles will be taxed at £92, a business class seat on the same flight £202, and a seat on a private jet flying the same route £607. 1 April: Prescription charge changes could kick in NHS prescription charges in England rose 30p in April 2023. The previous year those charges had been frozen. 1 April: Fuel duty rise could be implemented At the moment, the fuel duty rise is set to go ahead – rising with RPI. This is priced into the government’s calculations, but there’s a reasonable expectation the Chancellor will announce a fuel duty freeze closer to the time. 6 April: Dividend and capital gains tax changes The threshold for dividend tax will be cut to £500 and the capital gains tax threshold to £3,000. 6 April: ISA changes From this point, you will be able to pay into multiple ISAs of the same type in a tax year - and will be able to transfer slices of ISA money you paid in during the current tax year too (previously it was all or nothing). It will be possible to hold long term asset funds and open ended property funds in an innovative finance ISA, although we don’t yet know whether any providers will make them available. The minimum age to open a cash ISA will rise to 18, closing the loophole that allows 16 and 17-year-olds to have a JISA and a cash ISA allowance in the same tax year. 6 April: Tax thresholds remain frozen This stealth tax will have an enormous impact on our finances this year, and every year until 2028. The personal allowance will stick at £12,570, the higher rate threshold at £50,270, the inheritance tax nil rate band at £325,000, and the residence nil rate band £175,000. Plus, everything from ISA allowances to the annual gifting allowance, the high-income child benefit tax charge and the personal savings allowance remain the same. The tax take will rise to its highest percentage of GDP since the Second World War, and it’s not just that we’ll all have to pay more tax, 4 million more people will be dragged into paying tax, 3 million more into paying higher rate tax and 400,000 more into paying additional rate tax. 6 April: National Insurance for self-employed people is cut Class 2 National Insurance contributions will be axed altogether (saving an average of £186 a year). The main rate of National Insurance contributions for self-employed people will also be cut by one percentage point, from 9% to 8%. This applies to profits of between £12,570 and £50,270. This will cut tax an average of £117 in tax for basic rate taxpayers, £322 for those on the higher rate, and £358 for additional rate taxpayers. Of course, frozen tax thresholds will mean they’re still worse off. 8 April: State pensions rise with the triple lock The state pension will rise 8.5% in line with the triple lock. For someone on the full new state pension this will see their pension grow from £203.85 to £221.20 a week, and for someone who hit state pension age before 2016 their full weekly basic state pension will rise from £156.20 to £169.50. 8 April: Benefits rise with inflation Those receiving working age benefits will have them increased in line with September’s inflation rate, which this year was 6.7%. Pension credit, meanwhile, will rise 8.5% in line with the triple lock. 1 July: Energy price cap changes This is currently expected to fall very slightly again from the April level. 31 July: Payment on account deadline Self-employed people need to make advance payments towards their tax bill. 1 August: Freeze on alcohol duty ends In the Autumn Statement, Jeremy Hunt said alcohol duty wouldn’t be increased before this date. So this is the first date a duty rise becomes possible. In September: 15 hours of free childcare from nine months The second stage in the roll out of free childcare will see 15 hours of free childcare extended to children from the age of nine months. 10 September: wage figures These are used as part of the triple lock for next April’s state pension. 1 October energy price cap changes This is expected to rise as we head into the winter, but forecasts this far ahead need to be taken with a pinch of salt. 16 October: inflation figures These are used as part of the triple lock for next April’s state pension, and for uprating working age benefits. 31 October: Deadline to file paper self-assessment tax return for 2023-24 We’re overwhelmingly filing our self-assessment tax returns online but those who prefer to do it on paper will need their returns to arrive with HMRC by this date. 1 December energy price cap changes So far, we haven’t had forecasts for this period, although prices are hoped to be less volatile later in 2024. 17 December: The last possible day to call the general election This would be exactly five years after the last parliament met for the first time after the previous general election – which by law is the last possible date the election can be called. If it was left to the last possible date, the election itself would be on 28 January. 31 December: The £2 cap on single bus journeys ends The £2 cap on single bus journeys in England is expected to come to an end. It saved people 30% on the average fare.”
Category Archives: Life & Style
The Best Christmas Winter Cocktails By Lixir Drinks
It’s no secret we love cocktails at Frost. ONE of the best things about Christmas is the gorgeous and indulgent food and drinks that we can enjoy, guilt free, in the name of celebration and these Christmas cocktails by Lixir drinks will not fail to disappoint! Lixir have opened their drinks cabinet and bought you the best seasonal flavours, that not only taste divine but will visibly impress your guests, all with limited effort.
Christmas Negroni
Ingredients:
- Lixir Blood Orange & Cinnamon Tonic
- Gin 25ml
- Campari 25ml
- Lillet 25ml
- Garnish with dehydrated orange & a candy cane
Instructions:
1. Add the Gin, Campari and Lillet into a mixing glass.
2. Stir for 1-2 minutes
3. Pour over ice into a short Tumblr.
4. Top up with Lixir Blood Orange & Cinnamon Tonic
5. Garnish with dehydrated orange and a candy cane
White Margarita
Ingredients:
- Lixir Classic Indian Tonic
- Coconut syrup 25ml
- Milk/ Oat milk 100ml
- Silver tequila 50ml
- Triple sec 20ml
- Lime juice 15ml
- Coconut rim around glass
- Garnish with Cranberries & Lime
Instructions:
1. Caught the rim of the glass with lime juice
2. Add the coconut flakes to the rim
3. In a shaker pour the milk/oat milk, tequila, triple sec, lime then add ice.
4. After shaking pour into highball glass full of ice
5. Top with Lixir Classic Indian tonic to lengthen & lightly stir
5. Garnish with lime wheel and cranberries
Santa’s Bellini (Lower ABV)
Ingredients:
- Lixir Rhubarb & Ginger Tonic 50ml
- Prosecco 50ml
- Sugar 25ml
- Garnish with Mint leaves and some Jazzie sprinkles
Instructions:
1. Combine Lixir Rhubarb & Ginger Tonic, prosecco and sugar into a shaker
2. Shake for about 2- 3 minutes
3. Then slowly pour into a flute glass
4. Garnish with mint leaves and jazzie sprinkles
Gingerbread Martini
Ingredients:
- Lixir Ginger Beer or Lixir Ginger Ale
- Vodka 50ml
- Fresh lime juice 20ml
- Ginger syrup 25ml
- Garnish with Biscuit/ shortbread crumbs around rim
Instructions:
1. Add into the shaker the vodka, fresh lime juice and ginger syrup
2. Shake aggressively
3. Then pour into a chilled martini glass
4. Top with Lixir Ginger Ale or Lixir Ginger Beer
4. Garnish with Biscuit crumb rim
Photo credit @RGNproduction
Drinks development @private_mixologist
ZeroWater® – The Purest Filtered Water Around – by Award Winning Author Dr Kathleen Thompson
The debate on filtering drinking water rumbles on. Just turning on a tap and drinking safe water is a privilege enjoyed by relatively few in this world. So should we go one step further and add filtration between tap and lips?
Well there are pros and cons. Tap water does contain various ‘added extras’ – chlorine, which can be unpalatable but is used to kill microorganisms, and fluoride to combat tooth decay. Tap water also contains varying amounts of minerals, depending on where you live. Some can be harmful and are kept within safe limits by the water companies, some are safe or even beneficial. A good example is calcium, which in hard-water areas can cause deposits (furring) in kettles, but it doesn’t harm us and in fact we need some calcium in our diet.
One unwelcome addition to both drinking water and also food is microplastics. These are tiny pieces of plastic less than 5 mm long. Microplastics definitely aren’t beneficial and could well be harmful as they can act as hormone disrupters, leading to cancer and infertility.
For me, the microplastics are the most persuasive argument for a water filter. However if you use filtered water regularly it’s probably wise to use fluorinated toothpaste to replace fluoride removed by the filter.
So are all water filters equal? In short, no. If you’re looking for the most effective system, ZeroWater® is hard to beat, removing 99.6% of detectable dissolved solids, whilst other leading brands only remove 50% or less. Importantly ZeroWater® guarantees to remove almost all microplastics. It’s so effective because it has a five-stage filter, as opposed to the more usual two-stage systems (see diagram below). Importantly ZeroWater® jugs are BPA-Free.
ZeroWater® has a great range of sizes and designs, but the 12 Cup, 2.8l Ready-Read Jug is particularly useful and very easy to assemble and feels solid and stable. I love the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) meter which fits neatly in the jug handle so you can check the water purity as you pour from the spigot, and the water really does taste good. Normally priced at £44.99, it’s currently on special offer at just £33.74. You can test your unfiltered water with the TDS meter to estimate how long your filter will last and ZeroWater® operate a filter replacement service by subscription.
If you’re keen on pure water do check out the ZeroWater® range.
By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q
http://faitobooks.co.uk
Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.
RiutBag introduces its anti-theft Crush foldable backpack offering the ultimate in lightweight security on the move
When on a commute to London, especially as Christmas approaches or, actually, at any other time, I tend to clutch my bag to me, treating everyone with suspicion. Sad to say I do that in any busy town now because I have had experience of pickpockets busy doing what they do. The cheek – it quite strained my sweet nature (ho hum) – when my bank card went missing. So, all together now: ‘Let’s not make it easy for them.’
This is surely what is behind the design of the UK based RiutBag Crush foldable backpack which offers the ultimate in security and anti theft protection. The innovative design means the zips are positioned against the body thus avoiding any risk of prying hands and the loss of treasured possessions… like my bank card. Yes, I know I’m going on, but really? Truly? Yes, really which is why the RiutBag Crush is so enormously useful, and what’s more, lightweight – I know, I’ve tried it – and it will have to be prized off me. Just the thing also, as a stylish Christmas gift.
RiutBag, pronounced ‘riot’ stands for Revolution in User Thinking and brings an entirely new concept to wearable technology and travel industries. RiutBags, invented by UK designer and commuter Sarah Giblin, first hit the headlines in 2015 for their simple and effective theft-proof “backwards” design with the zips cleverly hidden on the back panel so no one else can access the contents.
Even A-list magician and professional pickpocket entertainer, Matt Windsor has endorsed the bags stating, “Given there are no zips available to me, I wouldn’t even look at it as an option to pickpocket. By having a RiutBag, you make it clear to a pickpocket that you’re aware of what they do professionally and they just think, “I’ll pick someone else. I think they’re very difficult to steal from, if not impossible.”
This lightweight daypack weighs less than 300 grams and has 14 litres of space, so plenty of room for a day’s worth of belongings in a very light backpack. When it’s not in use, it folds down into a small pocket, weighing just 270 grams, which can be kept inside a main backpack, a car or put away neatly at home for when it’s next needed. Whether on a walk through a city, at a festival, in a crowd or market, enjoy moving with total peace of mind with the secure RiutBag Crush. The RiutBag Crush is available for £39.00 from the Riut website here Frost Magazine can’t recommend it highly enough.
THREE CHRISTMAS AND A SUMMER BOOK REVIEWS
The Christmas Love Letters by Sue Moorcroft, reviewed by Morton S Gray
Classic Sue Moorcroft.
I enjoyed being back in Nelson’s Bar, Norfolk reading about Ruthie, Maddy and Raff. A Christmas novel with twists and turns in the present and the revelation of secrets from the past too as Ruthie shares her treasured love letters.
A romance between Maddy and Raff seems inevitable, as they help Ruthie heal wounds from her past, until Maddy receives a message about her own mystery and the world changes.
Sue Moorcroft has a skill of carrying you along with a story and leaving you wanting for more.
A story to tug at your heart strings.
The Recipe for Hope by Fiona Valpy, reviewed by Jane Cable
I fancied a Christmas story, and for me this one was close to perfect. For a start it’s a novella, just a touch in under two hundred pages, and for a relatively simple festive romance it doesn’t need to be any more. And the cast of characters is small, and yet still a community is created for Evie to fall into when she escapes to France to avoid Christmas.
What really made this book stand out for me was the way I almost instantly slipped inside Evie’s heart and mind, and cared about her. I finished the book hours ago, and still she’s with me. On top of that, the customs and settings of rural south west France are described so beautifully, and with love. As is the food. The icing on the cake was a proper, real world, grown up ending. Five stars from me any day of the week.
New Beginnings at Christmas Tree Cottage by Georgia Hill, reviewed by Morton S Gray
A great read that will have you thinking about Christmas and maybe buying Baileys!
I loved reading this book, which was a complete tonic in a stressful time for me. I always say that a book that can produce an emotional reaction is a good book and this one produced not one, not two, but three heart affecting scenes that had me thinking and reaching for the tissues. A cosy read, but with serious underlying themes of starting again after loss.
The characters are likeable and relatable, particularly Jago, trying to be the responsible son and brother, whilst nursing his own demons and heartaches, Honor, the primary school teacher with a big venerable heart and the amazing vicar, Verity, who is mad on ABBA. Merryn is a very wise little girl beyond her years. Georgia Hill weaves her story around community of Lullbury Bay, with each person living there having a distinct role and backstory. It sounds like somewhere I would enjoy living. I’d even take part in the yarn bombing brigade!
Highly recommended to get you in the mood for Christmas.
Secrets of the Shell Sisters by Adrienne Vaughan, reviewed by Jessie Cahalin
Magical tale of secrets, second chances and sisterhood
Set on Ireland’s ancient east coast, the Morgan sisters are in crisis. Cassandra runs the family hotel and it’s struggling, as secrets from her past threaten to resurface making things worse. Greer is fleeing a failed relationship with a powerful man, but if she returns will she stay? And then there’s Orla – fey, funny and mysterious – insisting messages from the shells must heeded or what will become of them all?
Returning to Rosshaven was a delight, especially as this story, while fresh and original, is cleverly intertwined with characters from the first book, Summer of Secrets.
A beautifully written tale of relationships, lost love and second chances, laced through with a touch of Irish magic – so deftly delivered it feels as natural as the sea itself.
This is romantasy at its best and I loved it.
Christmas games from Cheatwell reviewed by Natalie Jayne Peeke West Country Correspondent
Christmas is about one thing and one thing only, family. Everything else is a bonus. The lovely people at Cheatwell games seem to share the same sentiment as I do, they have lots of family friendly games available to ensure extra cheer and joy this festive season.
I was sent two very festive games and my family really enjoyed playing them, we laughed so hard we cried when my goofy nine year old son had a go at charades.
The first game we all played was 8 in 1 Christmas games. With a broad selection of quirky quizzes, cheeky challenges and classic family favourites there’s something for everyone.
What I found really appealing about this game was you could pick and mix what games you wanted to play and everything you would need is included in the box, perfect for when your visiting relatives and want to take something with you , you can just grab and go with these games. This game is £9.99 from www.zavvi.com
The second game was Christmas Express, this is a board game where the players journey through a winter wonderland as you race to be the first to get to the North Pole. The aim of the game is to be the first player to travel along the train track from the Home Station to the North Pole Station.
You’ll have to avoid the Hustle Bustle, the Reindeer Crossings, the Snow Storms and maybe the naughty elf, but keep an eye out for Santa’s sleigh as he could help you on your way. Again we all really enjoyed playing this and I like the fact that instead of using a dice to determine how many spaces you move you pick up a random card from the deck provided it is a unique twist.
Christmas Express is £18.29 from www.amazon.co.uk
More information: Cheatwell.com
An Acrostic poem from Miss Delilah, as she is known by her Anma, Frost editor Margaret Graham.
The mobile phone did its thing. Margaret answered, to hear: ‘I think there is another author in the family, Anma. I have written an Acrostic poem, and it has been chosen for an anthology.’
‘Oh,’ said Anma. ‘Oh how simply grand, but what is an Acrostic poem?’
Well, such a pause was there, for Miss Delilah clearly could not believe that an author with 28 books to her credit, and heavens above – with a few bestsellers in the mix – did not know such a thing. Miss Delilah you see is 6 years of age, coming on 16, and let’s face it, it seems there is little she does not know, though a great deal of which Anma is ignorant.
Miss Delilah explained, ‘An Acrostic poem is one that creates a challenge. You have to select your words carefully to form a word from top to bottom. The words have to have a connection to the word you choose.’ She sniggered. ‘No, not that bottom, Anma.’ (How well she knows her Anma).
So, readers of Frost Magazine, I present the second author in our family, who will clearly very soon outshine her Anma, if Miss Delilah has anything to do with it, because 6 year olds are extraordinarily competitive and clever, Anma is coming to realise. Soon Miss Delilah will expect launch lunches, and pop to go with it. Anma however, wise in a very few ways, will have a large glass of wine.
I thank her wonderful little school for challenging and informing their pupils (if one may call them this anymore) enabling them to stretch themselves to understand the wonders that education can bring.
Duck & Dry – Pampering For Your Hair And For You Too – by Dr Kathleen Thompson
Have you discovered Duck & Dry yet?
‘I’m just popping to the hairdressers, Darling’ suddenly has a whole new meaning when you pass through the doorway of these chic London blow dry bars. Not only is the setting luxurious, but guess what, they have a bar. Yes, really, where you can order prosecco or cocktails. So why not make it a blow dry party? With group tables available, where you can drink and chat in between having your hair done, you can have a lovely social time and come out looking stunning too. Oh, and they have a nail bar – it just gets better, doesn’t it?
Duck & Dry currently have blow dry bars in five iconic locations – Chelsea, Mayfair, Islington, Spitalfields and Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge. The system is simple and easy – there’s a set menu of services and styles with set prices and you can book on-line. There are special bundle prices too with free prosecco.
But there’s more, Duck & Dry have developed their own special range of hair products which use natural active ingredients and have been thoughtfully formulated to be the very best for your hair, and they’re rather special.
The Fine Feathers range is designed for fine hair. The shampoo adds volume and enlivens limp hair. It’s incredibly lightweight, and cleanses thoroughly. The matching conditioner is ultra-lightweight too and contains honey, virgin coconut oil and shea butter to add a boost of moisture and lustre to your hair. I tried these and my hair felt fabulous and smelt great.
In contrast, the Full Feathers range is nourishing and reparative for thicker and coarser hair. The shampoo contains aloe vera, coconut and essential oils so it leaves the hair incredibly smooth, strong and beautifully scented. The conditioner is a reparative blend of aloe vera, coconut oil and shea butter to strengthen and smooth each strand, restoring moisture, sealing split ends and fighting frizz.
And the good news is, if you don’t live in London, or even if you do, you can buy these amazing products on-line too. The shampoo and conditioners are £18 and £20 each, but if you want a real treat, they come in a gift set with the Pre-Heat-Prep hair primer, which is enriched with natural actives and essential oils, and great for leaving a super smooth, frizz free and shiny finish. The gift set is beautifully presented in a sparkly pouch and at £50 would make a fabulous Christmas gift.
Another thing I really like about their website are the Hair Tutorials which explain how to use all their products, so that you can look as if you’ve just been to the hairdresser every day.
This brand is a great new concept and I love it.
By Dr K Thompson, award winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q
http://faitobooks.co.uk
Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.