Vince Cable hints at 'Mansion' tax for high value homes

The BBC is reporting that Business Secretary Vince Cable has said tax on high value properties may have to rise - if the 50p tax rate is axed.

Chancellor George Osborne said in the Budget that the 50p rate would be temporary but the government would look at tax on "very high value" properties.

See full story at:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12876058

Budget 2011: Osborne to unveil private jet flight tax

The Chancellor George Osborne will announce in the Budget a tax on private jet flights as part of a crackdown on tax loopholes, the BBC understands. Travellers using corporate jets do not currently have to pay any duty.

Airline passengers will also see passenger duty frozen this year, it is understood.

Mr Osborne wants to raise an extra £1bn a year by tackling tax avoidance - targeting the wealthy and businesses, it is believed.It will be billed as the biggest tax avoidance crackdown for several years.

Full story at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12813681

Budget 2011: Government 'due £8bn windfall'

The BBC reports: The government appears to be gaining control of the public finances and could benefit from an £8bn windfall this year due to higher tax revenue and lower spending, a report suggests.

Full story at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12800725

Dawsons close to merger with private client firm Penningtons.

The Lawyer is reporting that Lincoln’s Inn firm Dawsons is close to sealing a merger with private client firm Penningtons after ­coming under pressure to recapitalise and keep a grip on its core partnership.

For the full story see:

http://www.thelawyer.com/dawsons-and-penningtons-set-for-imminent-merger/1007245.article