Following yesterday’s Budget, a consultation is to be opened to potentially allow investors to hold AIM-listed stocks in an Individual Savings Account (ISA).

In his speech, Chancellor Darling said the Government committment to preserving ISAs as ‘simple, flexible and accessible tax-advantaged savings vehicles’, would link up with its wish to continue supporting small and growing businesses.

He said, ‘In this context, [the Government] intends to consult on allowing Alternative Investment Market (AIM) shares to be eligible as a tax-advantaged investment for retail savers.’

Tony Vine-Lott the Director General of TISA - Tax Incentivised Savings Association – said, ‘I am pleased that our representations to allow AIM shares to be held within an ISA will result in a Government consultation programme and that the expanded use of ‘matched' savings will be explored. All in all, this is an encouraging budget for savers.’