In 2021-22, investment in Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) eligible for income tax relief surged by 61%, reaching £1,040m. The number of investors claiming tax relief also rose by 32% to 25,800. Most investors typically contribute under £50,000, with an average investment of £40,000. However, HMRC deferred the publication of 2022-23 figures to May 2024, citing a downward revision in previous data. Critics suggest that the current £200,000 annual investment limit for VCTs, unchanged for nearly two decades, may be constraining funding for small businesses.