Britons say they need nearly £9,000 in cash before opening Stocks and Shares ISA, research finds Proactive uses images sourced from Shutterstock Survey for the US trading app’s UK arm suggests inflation is rising up the agenda for savers, but familiarity with non-cash ISAs remains limited Britons believe they need a median of £8,764 held separately in cash before opening a Stocks and Shares individual savings account, with almost one in five thinking they need £20,000, according to research commissioned ...

Group 1: Government Policies and Taxation - The government is targeting 'accidental' landlords who contribute to the economy by improving properties and creating new homes, emphasizing the need for a positive landlord-tenant relationship [1] - A 2% increase in Property Income Tax will be implemented by April 2027, affecting landlords and potentially leading to higher rents for tenants [3][4] - The tax increase is expected to raise £2.1 billion overall through personal tax rises, which may further pressure rent affordability as landlords might raise rents or sell properties [39][40] Group 2: Impact on Rental Market - House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) landlords, who typically generate higher rental income, will be significantly impacted by the 2% tax hike, which could lead to increased rents for lower-income tenants [7] - As landlords cannot raise rents while properties are occupied, they will reset rents to market rates as tenants leave, potentially leading to a tighter rental market and higher prices [8] - The rental market may see a shift towards social housing, where government rents often exceed market rates, further squeezing those seeking affordable housing [8] Group 3: Banking Sector Response - The banking sector is facing uncertainty due to speculation about the budget, but the decision not to increase levies or add regulatory burdens is seen as positive for supporting growth [5] - The budget aims to stabilize the banking market and ensure it remains competitive, which is crucial for delivering better outcomes for customers [5] Group 4: Investment and Economic Outlook - The budget has been described as a missed opportunity to introduce innovative tax measures, with a focus on traditional levies that may not address modern economic challenges [15][17] - The overall fiscal environment is expected to become more demanding for smaller corporate groups due to frozen income tax thresholds and increased scrutiny from HMRC [19][34]