Other provisions

Inheritance tax (IHT)

The inheritance tax nil rate band will remain at £325,000 for 2010/11, instead of rising to £350,000 as legislated for in the Finance Act 2007.
Anti-avoidance measures were announced that are aimed at certain trust-based schemes which were designed to reduce or eliminate the value on which IHT is charged on transfers.  The measures apply from 9 December 2009.

Stamp duty land tax (SDLT)

The Government has confirmed the ending on 31 December 2009 of the temporary increase to £175,000 of the zero rate threshold for residential property.
The Disclosure of Tax Avoidance Schemes provisions will be extended to certain SDLT avoidance schemes that concern residential property with a value of at least £1 million.

Stamp duty and stamp duty reserve tax

From 1 October 2009, transfers of securities to a non-EU clearance service or depositary receipt issuer will no longer be exempt from stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax if they form part of a scheme to avoid the 1.5% stamp tax charges.

Climate change levy

Climate change agreements give facilities in energy-intensive sectors an entitlement to pay a reduced rate of climate change levy. This reduced rate is to be increased from 20% to 35% of the full rate from 1 April 2011.

Business rates

Empty properties with a rateable value of up to £18,000 will continue to be exempt from business rates for 2010/11. Previously the limit was £15,000.

Support for internships

The Government will contribute £8 million towards a new financial support scheme for around 10,000 undergraduates a year undertaking short unpaid internships, from summer 2010, in professions with historically low access for such people.