Oxford News
Surprise HMRC bills as pension rises hit Personal Allowance
The issue comes down to the frozen personal allowance, which remains stuck at £12,570. As the state pension increases each year, it takes up more of that tax free limit.
That leaves less room for any extra income. Even a small private pension or part time earnings could now push some retirees over the threshold and into paying tax for the first time.
Experts warn this “stealth tax” effect is catching more people than expected, as rising incomes collide with frozen thresholds.
Tim Grimsditch, Managing Director at Unbiased, said the increase in the state pension is creating a problem for many people.
“For millions of retirees, the latest increase in the state pension is a double-edged sword.
“While the ‘triple lock’ is doing its job by protecting the value of pensions against inflation, the government’s decision to keep the personal tax allowance frozen at £12,570 is creating a ‘stealth tax’ trap.
“As the state pension rises to meet the cost of living, it is consuming more and more of that tax-free buffer. For many, this means that even a modest private pension or a small amount of part-time work could now result in an unexpected tax bill.
“If you’re unsure, seek help from a professional financial adviser who can help clarify your position, reduce uncertainty, and plan with greater confidence.”
At the same time, savers and workers are being warned they could miss out on up to £1,500 by not using key tax-free allowances before the deadline.
Here are four allowances to check now.
ISA allowance
You can save up to £20,000 per year in an ISA without paying tax on interest, dividends or capital gains.
- Covers Cash ISAs, Stocks and Shares ISAs or a mix
- Returns are completely tax free
- Allowance resets on April 6
For example, £20,000 saved at 5 percent interest could earn £1,000 tax free.
Capital Gains Tax allowance
You can make up to £3,000 in profit from selling assets tax free.
- Applies to shares, crypto and second properties
- Not applicable to your main home
- Tax applies above the threshold
Rates above the allowance are 18 percent for basic rate taxpayers and 24 percent for higher rate taxpayers.
Dividend allowance
If you own shares, you can earn up to £500 in dividends tax free each year.
- Applies to income from investments
- Tax rates depend on your income band
- Allowance has been reduced significantly in recent years
Even small portfolios can exceed this limit, leading to unexpected tax.
Personal savings allowance
You can earn interest on savings tax free depending on your income.
- Basic rate taxpayers get £1,000
- Higher rate taxpayers get £500
- Additional rate taxpayers get no allowance
However, rising interest rates mean more people are now exceeding these limits.
Why more people are paying tax on savings
Frozen thresholds and higher interest rates are pulling more savers into paying tax, a process known as fiscal drag.
For example, £20,000 saved at 4.58 percent earns around £916 in interest each year.
This exceeds the £500 allowance for higher rate taxpayers.
Similar savings in an ISA would be tax free.
Research shows over a third of people have never heard of the personal savings allowance, while billions have been paid in tax unnecessarily over the past decade.
Recommended reading:
What to do before April 5
With the tax year ending soon, acting now could protect your savings and reduce your tax bill.
- Use your full ISA allowance before it resets
- Review savings and investments for unused allowances
- Consider moving savings into tax efficient accounts
- Check if rising income could push you into paying more tax
Financial experts say taking action now can help avoid unexpected bills and make your money work harder.
Oxford News
Man arrested outside Oxfordshire theatre and charged
The incident took place on Tuesday (June 9) in the car park of The Beacon in Wantage.
A 34-year-old man was arrested, charged, and remanded for possession with intent to supply, and his vehicle was seized.
This was after 32 wraps of Class A drugs and a “significant amount of cash” were found on him.
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The drugs found. (Image: Thames Valley Police)
Thames Valley Police posted an update on their South Oxon and Vale of White Horse Facebook page this morning (Monday, June 15).
The statement said: “On June 9, 2026, our team was out looking for a vehicle that had recently piqued our interest. We located it in the car park of The Beacon.
“Now, he might have been there to pick up tickets for the open mic night, Rory Bremner, or even Noasis (who are there next week and apparently very good), but it was far more likely he was there to deal.
READ MORE: Train lines CLOSED for 7 hours amid London emergency incident
The car was seized. (Image: Thames Valley Police)
“A search confirmed our suspicions: 32 wraps of Class A and a significant amount of cash were found on him.
“Thanks to previous chases, we blocked him in early and ensured he was safely detained.
“A 34‑year‑old male from outside the area was arrested, charged, and remanded for Possession With Intent to Supply. The vehicle was seized.”
Oxford News
Man fighting for life after arrest made and helicopter called
The incident occurred at around 2pm yesterday (June 13), a white and blue BMW motorcycle and a grey Audi A3 were involved in a collision.
This was near the junction of B480 Watlington Road and Pettiwell, and Thames Valley Police officers attended the scene.
There was a large emergency response with the South-Central Ambulance Service and the “Helicopter Emergency Medical Service” also present.
READ MORE: Young child hit by car and man arrested in ‘harrowing’ incident
Police say that the rider of the motorcycle was a man in his 40s and that he sustained serious life-threatening injuries.
He remains in hospital receiving treatment at this current time, Thames Valley Police informs.
The driver of the grey Audi A3 has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving whilst over the specified limit for drugs.
From Wallingford, the 51-year-old man has been released under investigation whilst enquiries continue.
READ MORE: Public warning issued and police called after stranger enters property
Thames Valley Police is now appealing for witnesses following the serious road traffic collision in Garsington.
Investigating officer, PC Kerrie Ingham of the Roads Policing Unit said: “Firstly, I would like to thank the members of the public and the medical staff who stopped to assist.
“We are carrying out a thorough investigation into the circumstances of this collision, with a man being arrested at the scene shortly after police arrived, in attendance with paramedics from SCAS and HEMS.
“I would particularly like to hear from anyone who witnessed the grey Audi A3 driving northbound to the junction of B480 Watlington Road and Pettiwell prior to the collision.
READ MORE: Warning as major protest planned for Tommy Robinson’s visit to Oxford
“I would also like to hear from anyone who witnessed the white and blue BMW motorcycle driving southbound towards the junction of the B480 Watlington Road and Pettiwell prior to the collision.
“If you saw either of these vehicles prior to the collision, or have dash-cam footage at around the time of the incident, please come forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Thames Valley Police by calling 101 or submitting a report via the website, quoting reference number 43260296300.
Alternatively, you can report this anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Oxford News
Cosy Cotswolds pub has picturesque hidden beer garden
Nestled just off Burford’s sloping High Street, The Angel at Burford stands on Witney Street in a 17th-century stone building that has welcomed locals and travellers for generations.
Records and local guides trace the inn back to around 1652, and much of that period charm remains in place today, with low ceilings, original oak beams and thick stone walls creating an intimate atmosphere inside.
Open fireplaces, polished brass and traditional pub furnishings add to the sense of history, giving drinkers and diners an authentic coaching-inn feel in the heart of the market town.
READ MORE: Legendary chef heralds shock return of closed Oxfordshire pub
The Hook Norton Brewery sign outside. (Image: Newsquest)
Over recent years, the pub has developed into an award-winning gastropub with rooms, picking up plaudits while still functioning as a relaxed local for residents.
With a proud Hook Norton Brewery sign outside, the bar within features a line-up of the Oxfordshire brewer’s cask ales.
Separate dining areas offer a mix of cosy corners and larger tables, allowing the kitchen to serve seasonal menus that focus on classic pub dishes, Cotswold produce and modern gastropub favourites.
Beyond the interior, one of the standout attractions is the outdoor space, which is easy to miss from the street.
READ MORE: Inside refurbished Cotswolds country pub with enticing new menu
The hidden beer garden at The Angel. (Image: Newsquest)
From the front bar, customers head along a corridor towards the rear of the building before emerging into a surprisingly spacious beer garden hidden behind the main frontage.
A high stone wall and surrounding buildings shelter this area, creating a secluded, almost secret walled garden that feels far removed from the bustle of Burford’s busy centre.
Landscaping has introduced planting, stone paving and plenty of wooden tables, so there is ample room for larger groups as well as quieter spots for couples and families.
Because the garden is fully enclosed and set back from the High Street, traffic noise quickly fades, so people can sit and chat in relative quiet while still being only a short walk from the centre of Burford.
READ MORE: Landlord ‘delighted’ as Rolling Stones rock legend pops into Oxford pub
A pint of Hooky Gold in the hidden beer garden at The Angel. (Image: Newsquest)
On a warm Cotswolds afternoon, the garden becomes a suntrap, with visitors able to sit among the greenery and enjoy a pint of Hooky or a meal in the open air.
Many first-time guests comment on the contrast between the modest street view and the generous outdoor space tucked away at the back, making the garden a particular draw in spring and summer.
Accommodation above the pub provides a small number of letting rooms, giving people the chance to stay overnight in Burford, often described as the “Gateway to the Cotswolds”.
Combining centuries of history, traditional interiors, brewery links and a picturesque hidden beer garden, The Angel continues to serve as a popular stop-off for both local drinkers and tourists exploring this part of Oxfordshire.
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