Asking for advice from the regulators

[Karellan]

I see on the BBC news that Kier Starmer is asking the regulators for advice about economic growth. I have just sent an email to my MP asking whether he can promote the Venture Capital Trust Industry to our leader. I have sent a few links to help.

If any of you have a few idle moments today then perhaps you might like to do the same.

[UncleEbenezer]

I see on the BBC news that Kier Starmer is asking the regulators for advice about economic growth. I have just sent an email to my MP asking whether he can promote the Venture Capital Trust Industry to our leader. I have sent a few links to help.

If any of you have a few idle moments today then perhaps you might like to do the same.

Not sure how helpful that is without thinking through what changes we might ask for. Bearing in mind that changes in favour of investors are unlikely while the money continues to flood in to them!

I expect the industry is better-placed than we are to say what would help. One thought that springs to mind is to relax the rules on follow-on investments in cases where there's a potentially-catastrophic gap between an investee and non-VCT funding.

[Karellan]

I think that there must be several 'technical' items that would make it easier for the VCT community as the VCT offer comes with lots of stipulations. I do recall that tax relief was briefly increased to 40% when I first became involved too.

What I dont understand is why ask the water and energy regulators , I didnt think that they had an outstanding reputation in that field.

[UncleEbenezer]

I think that there must be several 'technical' items that would make it easier for the VCT community as the VCT offer comes with lots of stipulations. I do recall that tax relief was briefly increased to 40% when I first became involved too.

Fairy Nuff. But I can't see any case for 40% while subscriptions remain healthy. I'd like to see the tax rules simplified - the six month thing, for instance - but I think most potential improvement would come from relaxing the rules on how the VCTs can support small and growing businesses. And that's
complicated by the historical baggage of fund managers playing the rules.

What I dont understand is why ask the water and energy regulators , I didnt think that they had an outstanding reputation in that field.

No harm in asking! Their failings doubtless stem in part from trying to follow an agenda set by their political masters (often an over-emphasis on keep consumer prices down; never mind about the rest). They might have ideas for how that communication might be improved, for instance. And wouldn't it be fun if a whistleblower were to contribute to the exercise!

[scotia]

I do recall that tax relief was briefly increased to 40% when I first became involved too.

Those were the days
For a few (2?) years there was 40% tax relief and only a 3 year holding requirement - about 20 years ago
And yes - that also started my purchase of VCTs.

[Gerry557]

I wonder if they say, reverse some of the budget policies cut tax and increase investment allowances, if they would take note and actually do anything.

Maybe they might respond with, increase taxes and nationalise the industry and get rid of the regulators to save cash.