Rumours of a tax rise in the Budget have encouraged 16% of people to consider raiding their pension pots for tax-free cash, according to new research.

The acquisition of platform provider Hargreaves Lansdown by a private equity-led consortium has moved a step closer today as the scheme of arrangement was officially confirmed.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to scrap plans to introduce a British ISA, according to widespread reports first circulated in the Financial Times.

After several delays, platform provider Hargreaves Lansdown (HL) has today accepted a £5.4bn consortium offer for the company.