The proportion of first-time buyers in England and Northern Ireland who will need to pay stamp duty is set to double in April, rising from 21% to 42%, according to Zoopla analysis. Existing homeowners will also see a significant increase, with those liable for stamp duty expected to jump from 49% to 83%. These changes are driven by reductions in stamp duty discounts, with the “nil rate” band decreasing from £425,000 to £300,000 for first-time buyers and from £250,000 to £125,000 for other homebuyers. This could potentially add an extra £1.1 billion annually to government tax revenue, according to Zoopla’s estimates.
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Brussels should not be shocked by Trump being Trump
US President Trump's tariff threats have tested the EU's trade policy capabilities, revealing both successes, like a political agreement with Indonesia, and failures in its approach to negotiations with the US. The EU's traditional methods are ineffective against Trump's unpredictable style, reflecting a deeper struggle within its institutional structure and reliance on the automotive industry. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: The article talks about how the EU is struggling to handle trade talks...
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