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UK inflation rate falls – Good news?

How can that be?  Well this is the time of year that the figure is used to set the annual increases for some pensioners and disability benefits, as well as public service pensions and the state second pension.

Inflation as measured by the Consumer Prices Index fell to -0.1% in September, this was due to a smaller than usual rise in clothing prices, and falling motor fuel prices. The CPI rate has been at or close to zero for most of this year. It was last in negative territory in April.

Most benefits will be frozen from April because of the latest data.

The law does not allow for a down rating of benefits, so the practical effect is that benefits are likely to be frozen from April. The exact change, or lack of it, will be approved by the government in the coming weeks.

What this means for you is that pensioners here and in the UK could soon be facing a squeeze on living standards

This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, investment recommendations or investment research. You should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this communication is correct, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions.

Other News

Expats with regular savings encouraged by new buy-to-let offerings

Terraced HousesGood news for UK expats with regular savings; lenders are introducing more buy-to-let mortgages specially designed to provide for the needs and circumstances of British expats. Until now there has been a shortage of viable deals, despite the fact that demand has been, and continues to be, strong.

Surprisingly, it is not expats from traditional destinations such as France and Spain who are likely to be the main customers of the buy-to-let deals. The United Arab Emirates and Dubai are reported to be the major markets for UK expat buy-to-let mortgages.

However, the mortgages will not be available to all expats. For example, expats resident in Australia, South Africa, Kenya and 89 other countries will be ineligible to borrow from the main provider, Skipton, and as such will have to look elsewhere before using their expat regular savings to make a buy-to-let investment.

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Expats expected to seek HMRC QROPS transfers amid Brexit uncertainty

There is a feeling among some financial advisors that expats should be rushing to ensure their pensions are switched to a recognised HMRC QROPS (Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme) before Britain begins to formalise its exit from the EU.

Of course, it is natural that expats should look to make their wealth management decisions, including the possibility of a valid HMRC QROPS, at a relatively early stage so that they can have confidence and clarity regarding their financial arrangements; however, it is also worth remembering that the new British Prime Minister, Theresa May, has said that she does not intend to invoke Article 50 this year, meaning that there is still plenty of time to receive the right financial advice and to make a prudent decision

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