April 2010

Here’s what’s been hitting the headlines over recent weeks:

FEATURE ARTICLE

HMRC ‘failure to notify’ penalty increases: From 1st April 2010 some of the most common taxes that freelance workers and the self-employed register to pay in the course of their business started attracting larger ‘failure to notify’ penalties. MORE...

NEWS ROUND-UP

Conservative Party to review IR35: The Conservatives have announced that if they win the General Election in May they will commit to a fundamental review of small business taxation – including IR35. MORE...

Islington’s twin towers given the go-ahead: Plans to build 355 flats in two 21-storey skyscrapers near Finsbury Park Station has been given the go-ahead. MORE...

HMRC is growing increasingly aggressive in its bid to curb tax evasion: New plans being drawn up by the Government will give HM Revenue and Customs new powers allowing them to intercept suspicious mail, without asking people’s permission. MORE...

Pinnacle Tower receives funding boost: Funding for the next phase of the Pinnacle Tower located in the City of London has been secured by Arab Investments. The cost of building the tower is estimated to be £550 million in total. MORE...

London Aquatics Pool testing: The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has commenced testing the Aquatics Centre which will host the diving and swimming events for the 2012 Olympic Games. MORE...

Bribery Bill warning for construction directors: Directors of construction firms have been warned that they will have to alter the way they run their businesses or face the prospect of imprisonment. Lawyers issued the stark warning after a Bribery Bill was rushed through the Commons. MORE...

Lib Dems to tackle housing crisis with one off 3.1bn Green stimulus package: The Liberal Democrats have revealed plans to create jobs by stimulating a sustainable green economy. Investment in energy efficiency in public buildings and homes, wind energy and bringing empty housing back into use through renovation are all included in the plans. MORE...

HMRC discourages cheques for VAT payments: HM Revenue and Customs has introduced new rules to prevent VAT bills being paid by cheque. MORE...

EBTs and offshore schemes: The recent budget contained few surprises, but the Government has announced that it intends to introduce new legislation that will clamp down on Employee Benefit Trusts (EBTs) and other ‘tax efficient’ schemes from April 2011. MORE...

English Heritage backs Battersea revamp: English Heritage has stated that in principle they have no objections to the proposed redevelopment of Battersea Power Station. MORE...

Company fined over worker's death: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a warning to firms about the dangers of working at heights after a firm was prosecuted following the death of a worker. MORE...

Tories admit Crossrail could be scrapped: Just two days after the launch of the Conservatives election manifesto Labour accused the Tories of breaking a manifesto pledge when a shadow minister admitted that a key rail project could be scrapped in order to save money. MORE...

Tfl invites bidders for East London Line extension: Transport for London (Tfl) has issued invitations for companies to bid for the construction work on the second phase of the East London Line extension. MORE...

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