On Wednesday 3 March, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak MP presented the 2021 Budget, setting out the Government's plans for tax and spending over the next year.
The Budget included new support for the self-employed through the Government’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS).
The Government announced a fourth SEISS grant, worth 80% of three months’ average trading profits (capped at £7,500), can be claimed from late April. For the first time, self-employed individuals who filed a 2019-20 self-assessment tax return will also be eligible for this grant.
The Government also announced a fifth and final SEISS grant, covering May to September, will be able to be claimed from late July. This grant will be worth 30% of average trading profits (capped at £2,850), unless their turnover has fallen by 30% or more, in which case they will continue to receive a grant worth 80% of average trading profits (capped at £7,500).
You can read a summary of the key measures announced in the Budget here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/budget-2021-what-you-need-to-know
You can read the Chancellor's full Budget Speech to the House of Commons here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/budget-speech-2021
Who is the Chancellor?
The Chancellor of the Exchequer is the Government Minister in charge of the Government's tax and spending decisions. They are appointed by the Prime Minister and are one of the most senior Government Ministers.
Find out more about the role and the current Chancellor, Rishi Sunak MP:
https://www.gov.uk/government/ministers/chancellor-of-the-exchequer
What is the Budget?
The Budget is a statement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, updating MPs on how much the Government is spending, borrowing, and receiving from taxation. The Budget usually happens once per year.
The Budget is also when the Chancellor announces changes to tax and Government spending. This means the Budget is often used to announce new Government policies or changes to existing policies.
Find out more about Parliament's role in scrutinising the Budget:
https://www.parliament.uk/about/how/role/check-and-approve-government-spending-and-taxation/the-budget-and-parliament/