End of ISAs - 2009?

[WendyS]

I believe ISA investments are due to end in April 2009.

1. Does this mean the last tax year's investment will be in April 2008, or April 2009?

2. Has anybody seen any speculation in the press about what might happen to tax free savings after this date?

[STAH]

Hi Wendy,

There has been numerous speculations that either ISAs are going to be withdrawn, or the cash element will be reduced to �1000 (currently �3000).

I have only heard rumours, nothing set in concrete, and nothing has been announced at my place of work. As to what is to replace ISAs - well your guess is as good as mine.

[STAH]

Regrettably, this answer is somewhat inconclusive. Apologies if my answer re Barclays was a tad brusque also.

Sorry,

Scott x

[WendyS]

Scott - your gracious apology is accepted. I was just feeling particular sore with Barclays at the time. Twice within two months they rejected my debit card in transactions with the same supplier despite a perfectly adequate bank balance leaving me looking very red faced. On each occasion it took more than 30 minutes being pushed from pillar to post in call centres to try and resolve, only to be told that my account was in perfect order and they had no reason why it occurred. And then, to make matters worse, on the second occasion they then debited my account twice for the second transaction Rant over! I promise to be perfectly nice to all bank employees in 2006.