Archive for May, 2009

Landlords face registration: Primelocation

A national register of all landlords has been proposed by the Government and seems likely to be implemented as a matter of urgency. The registration could provoke widespread anger from small-scale landlords, who will resent the additional administrative obligation.
For full story go to http://www.primelocation.com/news/landlords-face-registration/

LGPS: Over and out?: Local Government Chronicle

 
It is increasingly likely – almost inevitable, it seems – that the Conservatives will form the next government. Equally probable, to judge by recent remarks, is that the incoming administration will try to ‘fix’ public sector pensions.
 
There is growing disquiet amongst the political classes and the media about public sector pensions. They are too generous, [...]

PPPs in crisis: Accounting & Business

 
London’s M25 orbital motorway has a reputation for bad traffic jams. But in recent months it has suffered from a different type of congestion – the seizure of the financial markets blocked plans for its widening.
 
The £1bn M25 scheme was just one of many essential infrastructure projects in the UK disrupted because banks became unable [...]

Accountancy news: Accounting & Business

 
UK News
 
Liechtenstein in UK tax deal
 
UK and Liechtenstein tax officials have begun talks on implementing a tax transparency agreement. Liechtenstein has asked HMRC to provide names to assist the identification of UK residents with bank accounts and interests in trusts in Liechtenstein that are used to evade UK tax. The two countries agreed that this [...]

Boost for rental sector: Primelocation

Thousands of new homes could be built in London and the South East for private rental, as a result of a scheme launched by a government agency. The initiative would be a major boost for the troubled construction sector.
For full story go to http://www.primelocation.com/news/boost-for-rental-sector/

Licensed not to steal: Primelocation

A national licensing scheme for lettings agents has been launched, which could be extended to become a legal requirement. The move is intended to stamp out the exploitation of tenants, including by failing to repay deposits.
For full story go to http://www.primelocation.com/news/licensed-not-to-steal/

Profile: Melvyn Neate: Accounting & Business

 
The view from Melvyn Neate, FCCA, director of internal audit, HM Revenue and Customs
 
What are your major challenges at HMRC?
 
Ensuring it continues to improve individuals’ and businesses’ payment of tax due and their receipt of the credits and benefits to which they are entitled. Remaining committed to improving customers’ experiences: helping those who need it; [...]

Questions of Cash: ‘My £840 pension charge’: The Independent

 
Q. I was sold a Legal & General Personal Pension plan in 1993 by Nimmos of Clacton, which I believe was processed by Pensure Financial Management. When I changed jobs in 1994 I joined my company’s final salary scheme and was told I couldn’t have two pensions. I stopped contributing to my personal pension plan [...]

Questions of Cash: Thames Water’s leaky system: The Independent

 
Q. My mother’s house had a water leak, which was fixed in April last year. In January this year, my father died. On 5 February, my mother phoned her water supplier, Thames Water, to change the direct debit to her account. She was dealt with unsympathetically and told she must pay £50 a month for [...]

Butterfill Act creates mutual opportunities: Co-operative News

 
If we were living in less ‘interesting times’ – as the Chinese proverb puts it – the Butterfill Act would quite possibly now be fundamentally restructuring the mutual sector, particularly those mutuals providing financial services.
 
The Butterfill Act – named after the sponsoring Conservative MP, Sir John Butterfill – enables mutuals of different types to merge. [...]