More than 370,000 small businesses in England and Wales could be due a payout on their business interruption insurance after the Supreme Court ruled in favour of payments being made on previously refused claims and policies. A number of insurers have lost an appeal against an earlier ruling, brought in a test case by the […]
Are you making full use of the Government’s COVID-19 financial support package?
Download our latest guide to make sure you are taking advantage of the support on offer As we enter yet another national lockdown, businesses may be concerned about their ability to survive and succeed in the weeks and months ahead. The level of support on offer from the Government and local authorities is unprecedented via […]
Chancellor announces grants worth up to £9,000 for businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors
The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has announced a package of one-off grants worth between £4,000 and £9,000 for businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, following the announcement of a nationwide lockdown in England lasting until at least mid-February. The new scheme will be accessed through local authorities and offers funding based on the rateable […]
Employers: call for furlough scheme to be introduced to working parents while schools are closed
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) states that working parents with children, who struggle to balance their work-life and childcare, should be put on the furlough scheme whilst the schools are closed.
The New COVID-19 Tier System
The rules around the various tiers continue to change. To help you understand what you can and cannot do under England’s tiered system, please use our helpful chart: Tier 1 – Medium Tier 2 – High Tier 3 – Very High Tier 4 – Stay at Home Socially mixing Indoors Permitted but rule of six […]
COVID-19: enhanced payment plans for Self-Assessment individuals
To help reduce any financial stresses as a result of the pandemic, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has amended the instalment arrangements for paying tax liabilities for Self-Assessment taxpayers – increasing the threshold from £10,000 to £30,000.
Eat Out to Help Out compliance checks underway
More than 84,700 food and drink establishments took part in the Eat Out to Help Out (EOTHO) scheme, according to the Treasury’s latest figures. This resulted in 130,000 claims at the end of the scheme and is estimated to have cost the Treasury around £522 million. The claims system was set up quickly by HM Revenue […]
Virtual Christmas parties eligible for £150 annual function exemption
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has confirmed that virtual Christmas parties will be eligible for the £150 annual function exemption that employers often put towards in-person festivities at this time of year. Typically, employers can make use of the exemption for a Christmas party, as long as it is open to all employees, or all […]
Grandparents set to increase gifting following pandemic and families set to inherit more than expected
A pair of studies have revealed that UK grandparents are reconsidering their plans following the Coronavirus pandemic, which may mean that many families are set to inherit more than they expected to. A survey of 2,006 grandparents, carried out by an investment firm, found one in seven are reassessing how they will pass on their […]