The UK has the lowest rates of investment of any other country in the G7, according to analysis by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR).

It found that, compared to the USA, Germany, France, Italy, Canada and Japan, the UK was in last place for business investment in 2022.

The IPPR also revealed that the UK has been bottom of the G7 league for investment in 24 out of the last 30 years. It said that the UK has the lowest rates of investment of any G7 economy, and that it ranks 28th out of 31 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries for business investment.

According to the IPPR, countries such as Hungary, Slovenia and Latvia attract higher levels of private sector investment than the UK as a percentage of GDP.

Dr George Dibb, Associate Director for Economic Policy at the IPPR, said:

‘If the economy is an engine, then investment is its fuel. The UK’s dire productivity performance is the single biggest driver of our dire living standards. Without resources flowing into new investment, it’s hard to see how UK economic performance can improve.’

Internet link: IPPR

The rate of UK inflation fell to 2.3% in the year to April, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Inflation is down from 3.2% in March and is the lowest level since September 2021.

However, it is still above the Bank of England’s 2% target. The drop was driven by falling gas and electricity prices after the energy price cap was lowered by Ofgem.

The drop in inflation followed news that the UK economy grew by 0.6% between January and March, according to the ONS.

It means that the country officially emerged from recession with growth led by the services sector.

Despite the improving outlook, the Bank of England held interest rates at 5.25% for the sixth month in a row.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said the fall in the rate of inflation was positive news that increased the likelihood of an interest rate cut in the coming months.

David Bharier, Head of Research at the BCC, added:

‘Uncertainty will persist with global conflicts and trade wars threatening supply chains. Real wage costs also continue to grow – our most recent business survey found almost half of firms expect their prices to rise over the next three months, with labour costs cited as the main driver.

‘While the outlook may have brightened, the skies aren’t yet fully clear. UK firms need to see a long-term vision for the UK economy from politicians, including action on making trade easier, especially with the EU.’

Internet link: ONS website ONS website Bank of England website BCC website

UK adults face a significant shortfall in their pension savings at retirement compared to what they wanted to retire on, according to research from Standard Life.

Standard Life’s Retirement Voice Report found that, on average, retirees had hoped to build up a pension pot of £250,000. However, the average amount that they accumulated by retirement was £131,000 – leaving a £119,000 shortfall.

Based on current annuity rates, a pot of £250,000 could lead to an income of £1,007 monthly, or £12,091 a year, assuming a retirement age of 66.

A pot of £131,000 could result in a monthly income of £527 in retirement, or £6,332 yearly – £480 a month, or £5,759 a year less.

However, even the not insignificant £250,000 pot falls short of a ‘moderate’ standard’ of living in retirement, according to the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association.

Dean Butler, Managing Director for Retail Direct at Standard Life, said:

‘It can be hard to work out how much you need to save to achieve your desired standard of living in retirement, particularly earlier on in your career. It’s even harder to stick to it, as everyday expenses and those one-off costs that come up in life constantly threaten to move long-term saving down the priority list.

‘Clearly there’s a big gap between what people hope to save, and what they actually do – this is unsurprising, particularly when looking at it during a cost-of-living crisis, however the result can be a significantly reduced standard of living in retirement.’

Internet link: Standard Life website

Almost 300,000 self assessment taxpayers filed their return in the first week of the new tax year, HMRC has revealed.

The early filers were almost 10 months ahead of the 31 January 2025 deadline.

Almost 70,000 people filed their return on the opening day of 6 April this year.

HMRC is encouraging people to file early and avoid the stress of last-minute filing.

The tax authority says early filing can also help with budgeting. A budget payment plan helps spread the cost of tax bills with weekly or monthly payments.

In addition, refunds of overpaid tax will be paid as soon as the return has been processed.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:

‘Filing your self assessment early means people can spend more time growing their business and doing the things they love, rather than worrying about their tax return.

‘You too can join the thousands of customers who have already done their tax return for the 2023-24 tax year by searching ‘self assessment’ on GOV.UK and get started today.’

Internet link: HMRC press release

Revitalising ‘Brand Britain’ in its first 100 days in office should be a priority for the party that wins the General Election, says the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

In its Business Manifesto, the business group has mapped out the steps it says the next government can take to redefine the UK’s growth trajectory.

The CBI says the next government will need to improve the pitch for private investment with a plan for sustainable growth.

Its key recommendations include a cutting-edge trade and investment strategy and unlocking the power of the UK regions.

Rain Newton-Smith, CBI CEO, said:

‘A new government of whatever colour provides an opportunity to shift gear and prioritise the long-term decisions that can deliver a decade of sustainable growth.

‘Top of the in-tray should be sharpening the investor pitch for ‘Brand Britain’ – ensuring we are at the very top of the league table when it comes to investment. At the same time, a focus on building momentum behind the ‘big three’ enablers across tax, planning and the labour market within the first 100 days can give firms a clear flightpath for growth.

‘We want to see a new government deliver a bold pitch to investors across the globe, restore the UK’s competitiveness, and double down on our climate commitments and opportunities.’

Internet link: CBI website