Legislation update 2022 for payroll

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Following the successful Legislation update 2021 for payroll by PAYadvice.UK with 19,500 hits and downloads since its launch at the beginning of 2021, following the UK budget on 27th October trigger and confirming a number of payroll changes for April 2022, along with announcement by States of Guernsey and States of Jersey - PAYadvice.UK have … Continue reading Legislation update 2022 for payroll →

HMRC wins disguised remuneration tax avoidance case

The Court of Appeal has found in favour of HMRC that Mr Hoey was liable to pay the tax in his income in ‘Stephen Hoey and others v HMRC’ (13th May 2022). HMRC welcomed the Court of Appeal decision, which confirms that this kind of tax avoidance scheme does not work. Tax avoidance deprives the … Continue reading HMRC wins disguised remuneration tax avoidance case →

HMRC instructs agents they can stop using late P45’s

In the HMRC agent update 96 published 19th May 2022, revised guidance has been issued in relation to the late receipt of P45s from employees that are too late to be applied to the first payment. Often employees mislay or employers have not yet issued the P45 to their leaving employee. Equally employees may not … Continue reading HMRC instructs agents they can stop using late P45’s →

Future of work review to be lead by Matt Warman

The Prime Minister has asked Matt Warman MP to lead a review into how the government can best support a thriving future UK labour market. Creating a highly-skilled workforce in the UK will power the mission to grow a high-productivity, high-wage economy that builds the foundation for prosperity across the whole country and for a … Continue reading Future of work review to be lead by Matt Warman →

Prescription charge freeze

Freeze will help ease the cost of living pressures on households, saving £17 million overallComes alongside record government NHS investment to tackle the Covid backlog and reduce waiting times NHS prescription charges will be frozen for the first time in 12 years to help with the cost of living. Charges usually increase in line with … Continue reading Prescription charge freeze →

Number of ex-offenders in work picks up speed

The number of ex-prisoners in work has increased dramatically following a drive to make our streets safer, cut crime and protect the public by getting offenders skilled up while behind bars. Over the last year, the proportion of ex-offenders in work 6 weeks after release increased by more than half – with tough new targets … Continue reading Number of ex-offenders in work picks up speed →

Minimum wage laws set sail for Seafarers

Tens of thousands of seafarers must be paid an equivalent to UK national minimum wage in a major step forward on pay protection, confirmed by the government on 10ty May 2022. Following P&O Ferries’ sacking of 800 workers, the government is introducing pay protection reforms requiring ferry operators who regularly call at UK ports to … Continue reading Minimum wage laws set sail for Seafarers →

Autumn 2022 students – apply for student loans

The Student Loan Company (SLC) is urging new full time undergraduate students in England to apply for their student finance before the deadline on 20th May 2022. It’s estimated that around 1.5 million people will attend college or university this autumn, and the Student Loans Company (SLC) is urging students to apply for student finance … Continue reading Autumn 2022 students – apply for student loans →

Financial help to work for those with disability and health challenges

Those with a disability or a physical or mental health condition, may need extra help to start a new job, or to stay in work. Employers have a legal responsibility to support those in work, by considering reasonable adjustments to the job, the recruitment process or by providing extra equipment. If an individual needs extra … Continue reading Financial help to work for those with disability and health challenges →

Claiming Child Benefit? Check your P60

HM Revenue and customs are encouraging parents who claim child benefit to check their P60 which must be issued by 31st May 2022 to those employed on 5th April 2022. If either of the parents income has recently risen above £50k, they may be affected by the High Income Child Benefit Charge. Check your P60 … Continue reading Claiming Child Benefit? Check your P60 →

New ‘fraud squad’ to crack down on criminals who steal taxpayer money

HM Treasury (by PSP) The Chancellor has announced that a new fraud squad, recruited from data analytics experts and leading economic crime investigators, will crack down on criminal gangs who rip off the taxpayer.Operational in July and based in the Cabinet Office, the new £25 million “Public Sector Fraud Authority” will double funding for the … Continue reading New ‘fraud squad’ to crack down on criminals who steal taxpayer money →

2.1 million tax credits packs issued

About 2.1 million tax credits claimants will begin to receive their annual renewal packs from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The packs will be sent between 25th April and 27th May 2022, and claimants have until 31st July 2022 to check their details are and update HMRC if there has been a change in circumstances. … Continue reading 2.1 million tax credits packs issued →

Move of claimants to Universal Credit to restart

The government outlines plans to resume helping claimants move to Universal Credit by end of 2024Universal Credit supported millions during the pandemic All benefit claimants will be moved over to Universal Credit by the end of 2024, the Department for Work and Pensions announced. The restart follows a pause to the process during the pandemic … Continue reading Move of claimants to Universal Credit to restart →

Future homebuyers to be freed from expensive ground rent bills on 30th June

Ground rent charges will be banned on most new residential leases from 30th June 2022Ban will put an end to increasing annual costsFirst step in government reform package to create fairer housing system Future homebuyers will see their prospective property bills reduce in when the government’s ban on charging ground rent on new leases in … Continue reading Future homebuyers to be freed from expensive ground rent bills on 30th June →

HMRC to revoke Moscow Stock Exchange’s status

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), has today announced its intention to revoke the Moscow Stock Exchange’s (MOEX) status as a recognised stock exchange. Investors will not be able to access UK tax benefits when trading securities on MOEX, although existing investments will be protected. The move comes alongside the unprecedented sanctions the UK Government has … Continue reading HMRC to revoke Moscow Stock Exchange’s status →

Multiplying maths skills for adults

£270 million investment in adult numeracy in England to help people progress and secure great jobs Adults looking to improve their numeracy skills are set to benefit from a £270 million investment in new courses, helping to level up opportunities for more people to progress and get good, well-paid jobs. Around 17 million adults in … Continue reading Multiplying maths skills for adults →

COVID-19 Easements end

As part of the April 2022 Employer Bulletin, HMRC have confirmed detail around the ending of certain ‘easements’ related to special measures during COVID-19. Easement ends for employee home-office expenses Existing rules prior to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic provided Income Tax and National Insurance contributions exemptions, where employers provide employees with equipment to allow them … Continue reading COVID-19 Easements end →

Home and Hybrid working – a taxing situation

Working from home: claiming tax relief from April 2022 As part of emergency COVID-19 restrictions, Government instructions to work from home where possible, including the legal requirement to self-isolate if you or a close contact tested positive for coronavirus, meant that in tax years 2020 to 2021 and 2021 to 2022 millions of people across … Continue reading Home and Hybrid working – a taxing situation →

April 2022 HMRC Employer Bulletin

HMRC publishes the Employer Bulletin 6 times a year, giving employers and agents the latest information on topics and issues that may affect them. In April 2032edition of the Employer Bulletin there are important updates and information on: PAYE PAYE Settlement Agreements deadline Electronic payment deadline falls on a weekend Classification of company cars or … Continue reading April 2022 HMRC Employer Bulletin →

Record number of employees on payroll

The latest Labour Force Survey (LFS) estimates from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) for December 2021 to February 2022 show that the employment rate is unchanged on the quarter, while the unemployment rate decreased. Over the same period, the economic inactivity rate has increased slightly. The UK employment rate was largely unchanged at 75.5%, … Continue reading Record number of employees on payroll →

Check what financial help you can get from HMRC

HM Revenue and Customs claim to want to make it as easy as possible for individuals and their family to claim any benefits, credits and allowances that they might be entitled to. They have pulled together a list of all support they can offer. Check what financial help you can get from HMRC Find out … Continue reading Check what financial help you can get from HMRC →

Allow up to ten weeks to apply for a British passport

People are being urged not to leave their application for a British passport to the last minute, with demand currently at an all-time high. Since April 2021 HM Passport Office has been advising people to allow up to ten weeks when applying for their passport. This advice remains. Due to COVID-19, HM Passport Office saw … Continue reading Allow up to ten weeks to apply for a British passport →

Updated guidance on how tips, gratuities and service charges are taxed

April 2022, HMRC are publishing an update to the E24 guidance on tips, gratuities, service charges and troncs – in addition to the updated Tips at work guidance published in November 2021. The updated guidance will reflect a shift towards customers paying tips electronically, such as through digital applications designed for this service. E24: tips, … Continue reading Updated guidance on how tips, gratuities and service charges are taxed →

HMRC names avoidance schemes for first time

HMRC uses new legal powers to name tax avoidance schemes and their promoters, for the first time. Tax avoidance schemes have been named for the first time by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) as users are warned they could face large tax bills. HMRC has today advised anyone involved in Absolute Outsourcing’s or Purple Pay … Continue reading HMRC names avoidance schemes for first time →

Digital ‘fit note’ launched

Doctors issue fit notes to people to provide evidence of the advice they have given about their fitness for work. They record details of the functional effects of their patient’s condition so the patient and their employer can consider ways to help them return to work. From April 2022 you may notice changes to the … Continue reading Digital ‘fit note’ launched →

Take advantage of National Insurance relief when hiring veterans

Businesses hiring military veterans can save thousands of pounds in employee National Insurance contributions, thanks to a scheme launched by the government’s Office of Veterans’ Affairs. From 6th April 2022 employers will not have to pay National Insurance contributions for veterans in their first year of civilian employment after leaving the armed forces. Businesses will … Continue reading Take advantage of National Insurance relief when hiring veterans →

Tax cut worth up to £1,000 for half a million small businesses starts

Tax cut worth up to £1,000 for eligible businesses announced by the Chancellor at the Spring Statement takes effect 6th April 2022.Increase in Employment Allowance from £4,000 to £5,000 benefits around 495,000 businesses - 30% of all UK firms.Takes the total number of firms not paying the Health and Social Care Levy to 670,000. Nearly … Continue reading Tax cut worth up to £1,000 for half a million small businesses starts →

Eligible pensioners urged to apply for Pension Credit

Pensioners and their loved ones are being urged to take-up Pension Credit, as a new campaign is launched to help those of pension age with the cost of living. New statistics show many pensioners could be missing out on Pension Credit, a vital financial boost that can be worth over £3,300 a year. Starting April … Continue reading Eligible pensioners urged to apply for Pension Credit →

Making the UK a global cryptoasset technology hub

The UK government has announced moves that will see stablecoins recognised as a valid form of payment as part of wider plans to make Britain a global hub for cryptoasset technology and investment. Stablecoins to be brought within regulation paving their way for use in the UK as a recognised form of payment.Announcement is part … Continue reading Making the UK a global cryptoasset technology hub →

Health and Social Care Levy to raise billions for NHS and social care

From Wednesday 6th April 2022, the Health and Social Care Levy will begin to raise billions to tackle the Covid backlogs and reform adult social care From Wednesday 6th April 2022, the Health and Social Care Levy comes into effect and begins to raise billions to help tackle the Covid backlogs and reform the adult … Continue reading Health and Social Care Levy to raise billions for NHS and social care →

Support for vulnerable applicants to the EU Settlement Scheme

Home Office announce further funding to help vulnerable EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members applying to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). The additional £2.5 million funding will go to a network of 68 grant funded organisations located throughout the UK which help people to apply to the EUSS who have vulnerabilities such … Continue reading Support for vulnerable applicants to the EU Settlement Scheme →

142,000+ use payment plans to pay Self Assessment bill

HMRC's online Time to Pay facility has been used by more than 142,000 Self Assessment filers since April 2021, helping spread their tax bill. The Self Assessment deadline for 2020 to 2021 tax returns was 31st January 2022 but, this year, HMRC gave until 1st April 2022 to pay any tax owed and not face … Continue reading 142,000+ use payment plans to pay Self Assessment bill →

Happy New (Tax) Year – 6th April 2022

Why does the UK tax year start on 6th April each year? Well, it used to be New Year’s Day! In 1752 the British calendar aligned with the rest of Europe (moving from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar) and moved New Year’s Day to 1st January. Until then New Year’s Day was 25th … Continue reading Happy New (Tax) Year – 6th April 2022 →

Check your Auto Enrolment Pension scheme

Do you operate a banded pension scheme using qualifying earning? Have you checked that the start and end points meet the requirements in operation for pay reference periods commencing 6th April 2022. Since the introduction of pension AE the qualifying earnings Lower Threshold has matched the National Insurance Lower Earnings Limit (LEL). Often pension schemes would … Continue reading Check your Auto Enrolment Pension scheme →

New National Minimum Wage rates commence

For pay periods commencing from the 1st April 2022, the new National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates come into force. Employers who fail to ensure that their staff are paid at least minimum wage for all work-time will be in breach of National Minimum Wage law and are committing criminal activity. those found … Continue reading New National Minimum Wage rates commence →

Measures announced to ensure that all UK ferry operators pay the national minimum wage and ferries are seaworthy.

new powers mandating ferries operating in and out of the UK pay national minimum wage‘minimum wage corridors’ to be explored with like-minded countries to ensure workers are paid an agreed minimum wageTransport Secretary calls on Insolvency Service to disqualify P&O Ferries Chief Executive The UK government announced a suite of new measures on 30th March … Continue reading Measures announced to ensure that all UK ferry operators pay the national minimum wage and ferries are seaworthy. →

Help with Easter childcare costs

Working parents can get up to £2,000 a year to pay for regulated childcare, including holiday clubs and out-of-school activities in the Easter holidays. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding working parents in the UK to not miss out on the opportunity to get up to £2,000 a year to pay for regulated childcare, … Continue reading Help with Easter childcare costs →

Movement to Work CEO Summit

Monday 28th March 2022, Work and Pensions Secretary Thérèse Coffey delivered a speech at the Movement to Work CEO Summit. By thinking hard and digging deep in the roundtables you’re about have, how to turn ideas into action at this Summit, you could also be back next year to celebrate the great achievements that come … Continue reading Movement to Work CEO Summit →

New statutory code to prevent unscrupulous employers using fire and rehire tactics

A statutory code on the practice of ‘fire and rehire’ will clamp down on controversial tactics used by employers who fail to engage in meaningful consultations with employees. Tuesday 29 March 2022, Labour Markets minister Paul Scully announced a new statutory code on the practice of ‘fire and rehire’. The code will also clamp down … Continue reading New statutory code to prevent unscrupulous employers using fire and rehire tactics →

Next steps for living with COVID

New guidance, from the Department of Health and Social Care, outlines free COVID-19 tests will continue to be available to help protect specific groups once free testing for the general public ends on 1st April 2022 Free COVID-19 tests will continue to be available to specific groups including eligible patients and NHS and care staff … Continue reading Next steps for living with COVID →

SPRING BUDGET SPECIAL 2022-23 WITH SIMON PARSONS #79

Nick Day is joined on The Payroll Podcast by Simon Parsons M.Sc FCIPPdip MBCS, Director UK Compliance Strategies at SD Worx, Simon is a Specialist in UK tax and Social Insurance legislation and all things payroll software development, and also a fellow panellist on Payroll Question Time. SPRING BUDGET SPECIAL 2022-23 WITH SIMON PARSONS #79 … Continue reading SPRING BUDGET SPECIAL 2022-23 WITH SIMON PARSONS #79 →

Northern Ireland retain day 1 SSP for COVID

Northern Ireland retain COVID SSP day one Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is a transferred matter in Northern Ireland and they have decided to retain the power in the Act which enabled SSP to be paid from day one of a COVID-related absence. Northern Ireland will also be retaining the broader SSP regulations which extended eligibility … Continue reading Northern Ireland retain day 1 SSP for COVID →

Spring Statement 2022

Dear PAYadvice.UK, The Chancellor made his annual Spring Statement speech today where he set out the Government’s tax plan to support the UK economy, businesses and families in both the short and the medium term. Key measures the Chancellor announced as part of the plan include: •an increase to the National Insurance Primary Threshold for … Continue reading Spring Statement 2022 →

Employment allowance increased to £5,000

As part of the spring statement initiatives, the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has announced an increase to the Employment Allowance from £4,000 to £5,000 Employment Allowance is a relief which allows eligible businesses to reduce their employer National Insurance contributions (NICs) bills each year Around 495,000 businesses (30% of all businesses) benefit from the increase, including … Continue reading Employment allowance increased to £5,000 →

Payroll surprise in spring statement

As part of the Spring Statement 2022 given on Wednesday 23rd March 2022, the government announced a change to National Insurance calculations which are to be applicable from Monday 6th July 2022. Increase is Primary Threshold The chancellor has announced an increase in the Class 1 National Insurance Primary Threshold from £9,880 to £12,570, the … Continue reading Payroll surprise in spring statement →

April 2022 – New Tax Year resources

PAYadvice endeavours to keep you as up to date as possible with the latest and developing changes impacting payroll and HR. The latest version 22.9 includes the announcements made at the spring statement 2022 which took place on 23rd March 2022.: The increase to primary threshold from 6th July 2022The increase to the Employment Allowance … Continue reading April 2022 – New Tax Year resources →

Scammers targeting Self Assessment

HMRC warning to be on their guard as scammers target unsuspecting Self Assessment filers to try and steal money or personal information. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning Self Assessment filets to be on guard following the Self Assessment deadline after more than 570,000 scams were reported to HMRC. At this time of year, … Continue reading Scammers targeting Self Assessment →

UK’s commitment to the rights of women and girls

Statement by Baroness Deborah Stedman-Scott, Minister for Women at the 66th UN Commission on the Status of Women. Madam Chair, I want to begin my statement by addressing the situation in Ukraine. Russia’s assault on Ukraine is an unprovoked, premeditated attack against a sovereign democratic state. The UK and our international partners stand united in … Continue reading UK’s commitment to the rights of women and girls →

Updates to Employer Right To Work guidance for April 2022

The Home Office have issued an updated draft version of Employer's Guide to Right to Work Checks' to reflect changes in legislation coming into force on 6th April 2022. Employers Guide to Right to Work Checks What Right to Work checking changes? The updated guidance includes: changes in the way Biometric Residence Card Biometric Residence … Continue reading Updates to Employer Right To Work guidance for April 2022 →

‘Homes for Ukraine’

UK individuals, charities, community groups and businesses can now record their interest in supporting Ukrainians fleeing the war through the government’s new Homes for Ukraine scheme. The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, has 14th March 2022, launched a webpage for sponsors to record their interest, ahead of Phase One … Continue reading ‘Homes for Ukraine’ →

Children to benefit from Child Maintenance Service changes

Children of separated parents are set to benefit from changes to the Child Maintenance Service announced 14th March 2022 as new powers are revealed. New powers introduced will expand the list of companies and organisations required to provide information to the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) which will help the service trace the paying parent, calculate … Continue reading Children to benefit from Child Maintenance Service changes →

COVID-19 travel restrictions removed

The government will remove the remaining COVID-19 international travel restrictions for all passengers from 4am Friday 18th March 2022. from 4am 18th March 2022 no-one entering the UK will need to take tests or complete a passenger locator formremaining managed hotel quarantine capacity will be fully stood down from the end of March, making the … Continue reading COVID-19 travel restrictions removed →

COVID tax easement for those affected by travel restrictions ending

In 2020 HMRC introduced guidance indicating that non-UK resident employees stranded in the UK because of coronavirus travel restrictions would not be taxed on earnings for duties performed in the UK after their planned departure date, provided they were taxed in their home nation. EIM77045 - Appendix 5: COVID-19 considerations for non-residents and non-domiciled employees … Continue reading COVID tax easement for those affected by travel restrictions ending →

Violence and harassment at work treaty

Work and Pensions Secretary Thérèse Coffey deposits treaty tackling workplace violence, completing the ratification process for the UK. The UK government has strengthened its efforts to end violence and harassment in the workplace, becoming the 11th country to ratify the International Labour Organization’s Violence and Harassment Convention. This is the first international treaty to recognise … Continue reading Violence and harassment at work treaty →

Pay transparency pilot to break down barriers for women

Minister for Women, Baroness Stedman-Scott, launches initiatives to level up employment opportunities for womenParticipating employers will run pilots aimed at closing salary gaps by publishing salaries on all job advertsNew ‘returners’ programme to support women into STEM roles after taking time out to care for loved ones Minister for Women, Baroness Stedman-Scott, has launched two … Continue reading Pay transparency pilot to break down barriers for women →

Fraudsters seek to hijack personal tax accounts

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning tax payers not to share sensitive personal information online to avoid their identities being used to commit tax fraud. HMRC is aware that criminals are attempting to obtain customers’ Government Gateway logins and other personal details, enabling them to register for Income Tax Self Assessment and submit bogus tax … Continue reading Fraudsters seek to hijack personal tax accounts →

Intrusive worker surveillance “spiralling out of control”

Latest TUC polling by Britain Thinks reveals majority of workers say they have experienced surveillance in the past year Overwhelming support for stronger regulation to protect workers from punitive use of AI and surveillance tech Post Office scandal must be a turning point on uncritical use of worker monitoring tech. Intrusive worker surveillance tech and … Continue reading Intrusive worker surveillance “spiralling out of control” →

Health and Social Care – National Insurance contribution uplift

HMRC have issued the following communication to UK employers to assist informing employees of the reason for the increase in National Insurance contributions that apply from 6th April 2022. Dear PAYadvice, We would appreciate your assistance to help… employees understand that the increased National Insurance contribution of 1.25 percentage points from 6‌‌‌ ‌‌April 2022 is … Continue reading Health and Social Care – National Insurance contribution uplift →

Right to Work Scheme COVID-19 Adjusted Checks Update

The adjustments to right to work checks, which were made due to COVID-19, will now continue until 30th September 2022. This follows the government's announcement enabling employers to use Identification Document Validation Technology (IDVT) to carry out digital checks on behalf of British and Irish citizens who hold a valid passport (or Irish passport card) … Continue reading Right to Work Scheme COVID-19 Adjusted Checks Update →

Don’t forget to declare coronavirus support payments on Company Tax Returns

Dear PAYadvice.UK, We want to make sure you have the latest information to help your clients to complete their Company Tax Return (CT600) accurately. How to include coronavirus support payments in your accounts and company tax return  Coronavirus grants and payments issued by HMRC to support businesses and self-employed individuals during the pandemic are taxable.  … Continue reading Don’t forget to declare coronavirus support payments on Company Tax Returns →

Closure of COVID Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

COVID related sick leave HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have confirmed that the special arrangements for COVID related absence ends at midnight on 24th March 2022. Under the emergency COVID measures, employees who had a Period of Incapacity for Work (PIW) of 4 or more calendar days whose average weekly earnings were £120 or more … Continue reading Closure of COVID Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) →

One week to file your Self Assessment return

About 1.5 million have just one week left to complete their late Self Assessment tax return. Time is running out for those who still need to file their Self Assessment tax return and avoid a penalty, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has warned. The deadline for submitting tax returns was 31st January 2022 but, this … Continue reading One week to file your Self Assessment return →

Plan for living with COVID

Prime Minister confirms next steps for living with Covid-19Vaccines will remain first line of defence against the virus with further boosters this spring for the most vulnerableAll remaining domestic covid regulations restricting public freedoms to end this week as part of the Living with Covid Plan Vaccines will remain the first line of defence against … Continue reading Plan for living with COVID →

National Minimum Wage increase impact on Historic Statutory Maternity Pay

The National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates increase for pay periods commencing 1st April 2022. HMRC, as part of the February 2022 Employer Bulletin are reminding employers of the obligations for any pay rise that falls into the maternity leave period (from the start of the earnings averaging period and through to the … Continue reading National Minimum Wage increase impact on Historic Statutory Maternity Pay →

February 2022 HMRC Employer Bulletin

HMRC publishes their Employer Bulletin online 6 times a year, providing employers and agents with the latest information on topics and issues that may affect them. In the February 2022 edition there are important updates and information on: PAYE Basic PAYE Tools ― new release Changes to our Employer Helpline processes Health and Social Care … Continue reading February 2022 HMRC Employer Bulletin →

Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay and Leave in Northern Ireland

Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay in Northern Ireland ― new employment right coming into force ― 6th April 2022 Who will be entitled? Employed parents who lose a child under the age of 18 (or those who suffer stillbirth from 24 weeks) will be entitled to 2 weeks of Parental Bereavement Leave as a “day … Continue reading Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay and Leave in Northern Ireland →

100,000 spread their Self Assessment tax bill

Almost 100,000 Self Assessment filers have used online payment plans to spread the cost of their tax bill into manageable monthly instalments since April 2021, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed. Once a customer has filed their 2020 to 2021 Self Assessment tax return, they can set up a Time to Pay arrangement for up to … Continue reading 100,000 spread their Self Assessment tax bill →

800 families facing tough times to be offered holidays

Families struggling financially, or facing illness, isolation or bereavement, will have an opportunity for a weekend break thanks to a new government fund. ‘England for Everyone’ fund will provide holidays and trips for more than 800 families facing difficult timesFamily Holiday Charity will use the funding to arrange trips for families during 2022It help those … Continue reading 800 families facing tough times to be offered holidays →

Pension AE threshold for 2022/2023 frozen

The government have confirmed that the Pension Auto Enrolment thresholds have all been frozen at the April 2021 levels. For the first time the Lower Earnings Threshold (LET) separates from the National Insurance Lower Earnings Limit (LEL) which rises from 6th April 2022. Automatic enrolment: review of the earnings trigger and qualifying earnings band for … Continue reading Pension AE threshold for 2022/2023 frozen →

150 new jobcentres and Youth Hubs

Thousands more jobseekers can now access tailored face-to-face job support and meet local employers as 150 new jobcentres are opened, levelling up opportunities across the country. These are at the heart of the government’s Way to Work Campaign to encourage more people into jobs. Towns and cities from Falkirk to Torquay are now home to … Continue reading 150 new jobcentres and Youth Hubs →

HMRC late payment interest rates to be revised

The Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee voted on 2nd February 2022 to increase the Bank of England base rate to 0.50% from 0.25%. The HMRC interest rates are linked to the Bank of England base rate. As a consequence the HMRC interest rates for the late payment will increase. The change comes into effect … Continue reading HMRC late payment interest rates to be revised →

National Apprenticeship Week 2022: Building the future with apprenticeships

The ‘Build the Future’ theme returns for its second year, with over 1,200 events taking place across England to showcase the benefits of apprenticeships. The week aims to celebrate and promote the fantastic benefits which apprenticeships offer both learners and employers, spotlighting businesses who are investing in this life-changing education route. Secretary of State for Education, … Continue reading National Apprenticeship Week 2022: Building the future with apprenticeships →

HMRC issue new guidance to operate from 6th April 2022

By PSP (c)2019 HM Revenue and Customs has updated guidance and instructions in preparation to be operated from 6th April 2022. P9X Tax codes to use from 6 April 2022 Use P9X to find out which PAYE tax codes to change, how to change them and which codes to carry forward ready for the new … Continue reading HMRC issue new guidance to operate from 6th April 2022 →

£350 boost to help with rising energy costs

Millions of households will receive up to £350 to help with the cost of living following a rise in the energy price cap.All domestic electricity customers will get £200 off their energy bills from October, with 80% of households receiving a £150 Council Tax rebate from April.Chancellor Rishi Sunak announces £9.1 billion Energy Bills Rebate … Continue reading £350 boost to help with rising energy costs →

Removing vaccination as a condition of deployment for health and social care staff

Vaccination as a condition of deployment revisited as Omicron replaces Delta as dominant variantLegal requirement for health and social care staff to be double jabbed to be removed, subject to consultation and Parliamentary approvalVast majority of health and care workers vaccinated but remainder are urged to Get Boosted Now as a professional responsibility Regulations making … Continue reading Removing vaccination as a condition of deployment for health and social care staff →

Over 10.2 million filed their Self Assessment by 31st January 2022

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed that more than 10.2 million customers filed their 2020 to 2021 tax returns by the 31st January 2022 deadline. More than 630,000 filed on deadline day and the peak hour for filing was 16:00 to 16:59 when 52,475 completed their Self Assessment. There were 20,947 who completed their … Continue reading Over 10.2 million filed their Self Assessment by 31st January 2022 →

Brexit Freedoms Bill to cut EU red tape

A new ‘Brexit Freedoms’ Bill will be brought forward by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, to mark the two-year anniversary of Getting Brexit Done. ‘Brexit Freedoms’ Bill will be brought forward to end to the special status of EU law and ensure that it can be more easily amended or removedMajor cross-government drive to cut £1 … Continue reading Brexit Freedoms Bill to cut EU red tape →

Student Loan Plan 2 and Post-Graduate loan thresholds frozen

The Plan 2 and PGL thresholds for 2022/2023 have been confirmed. Statement - Higher Education update Both thresholds remain at their tax year 2021/2022 levels, i.e.: Plan 2 - £27,295 per year (£2,274 per month, or £524 per week) Post-Graduate - £21,000 per year (£1,750 per month or £404 per week) So the confirmed Student … Continue reading Student Loan Plan 2 and Post-Graduate loan thresholds frozen →

Campaigners call for urgent action on diversion of tax refunds

In light of reports of problems from taxpayers that are increasing in both number and seriousness, the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG) is calling on HMRC to stop accepting deeds of assignment at face value with immediate effect and also to revisit historic deeds in certain cases where questions are raised about their validity. … Continue reading Campaigners call for urgent action on diversion of tax refunds →

Sick pay self-certification returns to 7 days coverage

End to temporary changes to the self-certification period for sickness absence In December 2021, the government made regulations to extend the self-certification period for sickness absences from 7 days to 28 days. This was a strictly time-limited change to support the government priority to increase GP capacity immediately and enable GPs to focus on the … Continue reading Sick pay self-certification returns to 7 days coverage →

Funding boost to Citizens Advice to deliver ‘Help to Claim’ Universal Credit support

Free confidential and impartial support to help people make a Universal Credit claim will continue to be delivered across Great Britain for the fourth year running. The Department for Work and Pensions ‘Help to Claim’ support will be delivered independently by Citizens Advice, in partnership with Citizens Advice Scotland, following a further £21.3 million investment. … Continue reading Funding boost to Citizens Advice to deliver ‘Help to Claim’ Universal Credit support →

COVID-19: England returns to plan A

All measures under Plan B have been lifted meaning face coverings are no longer mandatory in indoor venuesCOVID Passes are now voluntary for large events and nightclubs and people are no longer being advised to work from homeIt comes as hospital admissions stabilise, Omicron infections decline and the number of people in intensive care with … Continue reading COVID-19: England returns to plan A →

Scottish changes to working from home

Hybrid working to resume in Scotland from 31st January 2022. The Scottish government has confirmed that businesses can prepare to resume hybrid working from Monday 31st January 2022, enabling more people to have a flexible return to working between home and the office. Due to the continued decline in Covid case rates and the progressing … Continue reading Scottish changes to working from home →

Reported HMRC scam calls drop 97%

Reports of scam HMRC phone calls have fallen by 97% over the last 12 months, latest HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) figures show, which display a downward trend in reports overall throughout the past year. Reports of scammers impersonating HMRC in phone calls peaked at 79,477 in March 2021 and fell to just 2,491 in December 2021. … Continue reading Reported HMRC scam calls drop 97% →

Help to Grow: Digital scheme – letter to FTSE 250 leaders

The Secretary of State for BEIS has written to FTSE 250 leaders about the newly launched Help to Grow: Digital scheme. RT HON KWASI KWARTENG MPSecretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy He is asking for support in encouraging small and medium businesses to explore the newly launched Help to Grow: Digital scheme. … Continue reading Help to Grow: Digital scheme – letter to FTSE 250 leaders →

Returning to offices

Cabinet Office Minister calls for Government departments to accelerate the return to office based working to boost staff collaboration and help support local businesses The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Steve Barclay, has tasked departments across government with ensuring their offices can return quickly to full occupancy following the lifting of work from home … Continue reading Returning to offices →

England to return to Plan A

People will no longer be advised to work from home, face coverings will no longer be mandatory in indoor venues, and organisations will be able to choose whether to require NHS Covid PassesVaccination remains the best defence against COVID-19 and people are urged to Get Boosted Now The government announced Wednesday 19th January 2022 that … Continue reading England to return to Plan A →

New digital identity checking for employers to tackle immigration abuse

Employers, Landlords and letting agents will be able to use certified new technology to digitally carry out vital right to work and right to rent checks aimed to crack down on abuse of the immigration system. The government has announced that, from 6th April 2022, certified identity service providers (IDSPs) will be able to use … Continue reading New digital identity checking for employers to tackle immigration abuse →

Statutory Sick Pay Rebate (SSPR) service opens

HM Revenue and Customs have written to employers and agents to let them know that the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate (SSPR) service is now open from Wednesday 19th January 2022. Employers could be eligible for support if they employed fewer than 250 employees on 30th November 2021, and they’ve paid Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) to … Continue reading Statutory Sick Pay Rebate (SSPR) service opens →

New measures introduced to protect savers and boost pension guidance take-up

New rules to ensure savers are fully informed of their options when seeking to access their pension pots became law Monday 17th January 2022. The “Stronger Nudge to pension guidance” measures, which come into force on 1st June 2022, will require occupational pension schemes to present guidance as a routine part of accessing pension savings. … Continue reading New measures introduced to protect savers and boost pension guidance take-up →

The 2022 annual report on the National Insurance Funds

Focus on the National Insurance Fund The Government Actuary has published the annual report on the National Insurance Fund (NIF) for Great Britain. The report: projects contribution income, benefit payments and the balance of the NIF over the coming financial yearsis a source of information for MPs who scrutinise the government’s draft legislation for up-rating … Continue reading The 2022 annual report on the National Insurance Funds →

Tax refund companies under fire for high fees

People are losing out on hundreds of pounds after being enticed into using third-party companies to claim tax rebates instead of going directly to HMRC, according to Which? In a survey of over 4,000 people, the consumer champion found one in five (22%) had been contacted by a tax refund company, heard of one by … Continue reading Tax refund companies under fire for high fees →