NEWSLETTERS

HOME

---

CBT LOGO:

---

35,000 MORE JOBS TO BE CREATED FOR THE LONG TERM UNEMPLOYED AS NEW FIGURES SHOW RISE IN NUMBERS IN WORK

---

HMRC LAUNCHES NEW CHARTER

---

15% VAT RATE EXTENDED FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE TRADERS

---

STATEMENT ON MONEY LAUNDERING CONTROLS IN OVERSEAS JURISDICTIONS

---

LEARNING HOW TO BEAT THE BURGLARS

---

HOME OFFICE SETS OUT NEW RULES FOR MIGRANTS

---

NOTE:

Contact Us      The CBT Terms of Membership

---

PAROLE BOARD CALLS FOR SPONSORSHIP BY HM COURTS SERVICE

The majority of business rate bills - one million in total - will fall next year as a result of revaluation, the Government confirmed today.

The Government will not collect a penny more of extra revenue as a result of the 2010 revaluation. Regular revaluations ensure the rate each business pays is fair and reflects changes in the relative value of property over time.
The final arrangements for calculating new business rates bills are being published today. Most business properties (60 per cent) will see falls in their rate bills next year.
For the minority paying more, the Government is putting in place a £2 billion relief scheme self funded by businesses that will limit and phase in increases. The Government is today giving the go ahead for the relief scheme following a consultation.
Overall, as a result of revaluation and the relief arrangements, one million business properties will see an average decrease of £770 in 2010/11.
The Government recently announced that it will remove the requirement to re-apply for small business rate relief at revaluation reducing bureaucracy for small businesses and billing authorities − a move welcomed by the Federation of Small Businesses.
Local Government Minister Barbara Follett said:
"Revaluation makes sure each business pays its fair contribution and no more - it will not raise a single extra penny for Government.
"As a result of revaluation, a million business properties will see an overall reduction in their rate bills next year, with some of the largest decreases in sectors such as industry and manufacturing.
"While the majority of businesses will see benefits on their accounting sheets from revaluation, for the minority with increases we're today giving the go ahead for a £2 billion relief scheme to limit the impact on bills.
"This is on top of the wider support available to help ease business pressures including discounted rate bills for small businesses and deferring tax payments." Measures the Government has taken to support businesses in the current climate include enabling businesses to delay their corporation tax, VAT and other payments; the Enterprise Finance Guarantee, helping businesses applying for bank loans; a £75million Capital for Enterprise Fund; Regional Loan Transition funds from Regional Development Agencies; free business health checks, and a commitment from Government to pay suppliers within 10 days. The Government is also encouraging small businesses to apply for small business rate relief, which can help provide up to 50 per cent off their bill.
Commenting on today's announcement, Matthew Goodman from the Forum of Private Business said:
"We believe that it provides a fair and balanced system of transitional relief while at the same time supporting those small businesses who may struggle with an increased rate bill."
Rateable values are only one part of the rates bill. The other is the ratings multiplier - which is applied to calculate final bills. Today the Government is announcing the multiplier has been reduced by 15 per cent - taking it to its lowest level for 17 years. This is designed to ensure the Government does not collect an extra penny from revaluation and that each business pays its fair contribution.
Top of page




























The Parole Board has responded to a Ministry of Justice consultation paper on the future of the Board by calling for it to remain an independent body but with sponsorship transferred to HM Courts Service.

This change would put the independence of the Parole Board from the executive on a firmer footing, as required by the Court of Appeal, and enhance its ability to secure sufficient judicial resources from HMCS to hear prisoners' cases on time.
It would also provide for some efficiency savings through a closer relationship with HMCS without generating the additional costs that a formal move into the courts structure might entail.
The Parole Board argues against the option of a move to the Tribunals Service as being inconsistent with it remaining an integral part of the criminal justice system.
The Board has called for its recommendations on moving prisoners to open prison conditions to be made binding upon the Secretary of State and at the same time for it to be given the power to review the cases of prisoners who have been moved back from open to closed conditions by the Prison Service.
The Board would also like to be given additional powers to enforce the attendance of witnesses and the provision of reports and other written material and to make wasted costs orders for anyone failing to comply with such directions.
The Rt Hon Sir David Latham, Chairman of the Parole Board, said:
"The Board considers that transfer of sponsorship to HMCS would best serve the requirement of independence, would enable its functions to be carried out with the necessary informality and would retain the essential inquisitorial nature of the proceedings. If it became part of the court structure formally, the latter two could be put at risk.
"If HMCS is directly responsible, as the sponsorship body, for delivery of the functions of the Board, the Board will be in a better position to obtain the necessary resources for it to fulfil its functions effectively.
"There are some who would consider that the tribunal system would be the appropriate ultimate resting place for the Parole Board. However, that solution fails to recognise the importance of the functions of the Board as an integral part of the criminal justice system.
"Its functions represent the ultimate conclusion of the legal process which was started by conviction and sentence. Article 5(4) reflects the basic principle that no person should be deprived of their liberty for any longer than is legally justifiable, a question properly the function of a court."


Top of page


























Employers, unions and the government joined forces today to promote new guidance on preventing harassment and violence in the workplace.

The guidance, which follows a Europe-wide agreement between employers' organisations and unions, aims to give practical help and support to firms and their employees.
The guide signals the first time that the CBI, (Confederation of British Industry), the Partnership of Public Employers (PPE) and the Trades Union Congress (TUC) have come together to provide guidance on harassment and violence in the workplace. The guidance has the support of the Government, including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).
Speaking at the launch in central London today, Employment Relations Minister Lord Young said:
"Workplace harassment and violence is unacceptable and the Government is committed to addressing these problems. By making sure that employers understand their obligations and workers understand their rights we can promote a better workplace culture".
"This guidance is another step in the right direction and is the product of employers and unions working together with Government and the relevant agencies".
Katja Hall, Director of Employment Policy, CBI, said:
"Workplace harassment and violence should not be tolerated. We hope this publication will give employers a useful guide to assessing the risks to their employees, and help them with the steps they could take to make sure employees are protected."
TUC Deputy General Secretary Frances O'Grady said:
"No one wants to be harassed or attacked at work. People who suffer violence or harassment deserve all our support. It would be far better if things weren't allowed to go wrong. So unions are committed to working with employers to make workplaces better and safer, and to make sure that people at work are treated with respect."
PPE Director Tina Weber said:
"Public service employers strongly support the launch of this guidance. We were particularly keen to include the issue of harassment and violence perpetrated by service users as this is regrettably becoming increasingly common. Public service workers deserve to be able to carry out their important functions free from the threat of − or indeed actual physical and verbal abuse. We hope that the launch of this publication will raise awareness of this issue and will provide employers and employees with a useful tool to help address it".


Top of page












































The Government today set out how it will invest in the skills critical to the recovery and long-term success of the UK economy. The Skills Investment Strategy 2010 -11 underpins the priorities announced in the recently published national skills strategy, Skills for Growth.

Total Government investment in further education and skills for 2010-11 will be £4.4 billion.
We plan to spend over £3.5 billion in 2010-11 on adult training places, an increase of nearly 3% compared with 2009-10. This will ensure that the Government is able to deliver on its plan to increase Advanced Apprenticeships places to support the creation of a new technician class central to our economic recovery and future growth, whilst continuing to support those currently seeking sustained employment as part of the Government's Real Help Now initiative.
This allocation builds on record Government investment in post-16 further education, which has increased by 53% in real terms since 1997.
The investment strategy sets out how to meet the challenges the skills system faces to train people with the higher technical skills required for the key sectors that underwrite our economic growth, which requires a smarter focussing of resources. Following widespread consultation with the sector, the strategy also reflects the changes required to achieve the £340m of efficiency savings announced as part of the 2009 budget.
Skills Minister Kevin Brennan said:
"Skills training is an investment in an individual and their ability to get on in life, an investment in the productivity of our companies and in our future economic growth. We need to invest in the right training, to encourage more employers and individuals to buy into skills and to ensure a more productive use of skills across the UK economy."
This Investment Strategy focuses public investment on high quality provision and on maximising the contribution from employers towards training. It is these employers who will be the main beneficiaries of our skills system. Increased autonomy will be given to outstanding colleges and training organisations, allowing them greater freedoms across their total budget.

Total Government investment in further education and skills will be £4.4 billion in 2010-11
Direct investment in training places through the Skills Funding Agency for 2010-11 will be £3.5 billion, an increase of nearly 3% compared with 2009-10. This will support over 3.4 million adult learners.
The Adult Learner Responsive budget will be over £1.75 billion in 2010-11. This will support a wide range of activity including training packages to provide work-focussed training for around 75,000 adults out of work in receipt of benefits for 6 months or longer, and up to 80,000 young people aged 18-24 as part of the Young Person's Guarantee.
The adult Apprenticeship budget will be £400 million in 2010-11, supporting a total of 167,000 starts. This includes an additional 20,000 Advanced Apprenticeship places in 2010/11 academic year for those aged 19 to 30.
The Train to Gain budget will increase to nearly £1billion to support nearly 1.3 million adult learner places in the 2010/11 academic year.


Top of page





















Identity cards will be available to people who live and work in Greater Manchester from 30 November, it was announced.

Anyone with a home or work address in the Greater Manchester region can now make an appointment to register for their identity card, with the first appointments taking place at the end of this month.
The £30 cards will provide a secure and convenient way for people to prove their identity when they are undertaking individual transactions or buying age-restricted goods. The cards can also be used in place of a passport for travel throughout Europe.
Identity Minister Meg Hillier said:
"This is an exciting time. Today's announcement is the final step towards issuing secure identity cards to the residents of Greater Manchester.
"Identity cards will prove themselves extremely useful in daily life, from opening a bank account to entering a nightclub, and for travel to Europe."
Earlier today Home Office Minister and Minister for the North West of England, Phil Woolas, enrolled for his identity card at the Identity and Passport Service office in central Manchester.
Phil Woolas said:

"Today marks a major milestone for the launch of identity cards.
"From today, the people of Greater Manchester can book their identity card appointments.
"Having been through the enrolment process this morning, I can vouch for the fact it is simple, secure and only takes around 15 minutes."

Top of page














HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is taking steps to ensure that customers who invested in Keydata ISA products will not be out of pocket as a result of the company selling ISAs that are not compliant with the law.

Keydata Investment Services Ltd was placed into administration on 8 June this year. HMRC has since been working closely with the Financial Services Authority (FSA), the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) and administrators to reach a solution for investors.
As a result:
• The FSCS has confirmed today that Keydata is in default, and it will invite claims for compensation − this process will ensure the vast majority of investors in ISA products will be fully compensated.
• The vast majority of customers will not pay tax on their investments in Keydata ISAs − as HMRC will pursue the company for tax due prior to administration, and FSCS will pay the tax on behalf of investors for the period since the administration.
• People will be able to reinvest their money in a new ISA without losing their tax-free allowance, once their investment is redeemed or matures, or they receive compensation.
People who have invested in these ISAs do not need to take any action at this time. FSCS will write to all affected individuals to explain what they need to do next.


Top of page














* Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 passes final hurdle
* Biggest overhaul to apprenticeships legislation for 200 years
* Independent exams watchdog Ofqual put on statutory footing with tough new powers.

The Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act yesterday received Royal Assent, bringing in a host of new measures to prepare for the country's long-term economic and social needs and build on the huge rise in school standards over the last decade.
The Act provides the first complete legislative overhaul of Apprenticeships legislation for nearly 200 years − putting the new Apprenticeship Offer for suitably qualified young people on a statutory basis from 2013 and ensures a good quality apprenticeship for apprentices and employers alike.
It is a key step towards meeting Ministers' ambitions that one in five young people will undertake an apprenticeship by 2020, building on the huge increase in numbers starting an apprenticeship in the last 10 years, rising from just 65,000 in 1997 to a quarter of a million this year, with overall Government investment topping £1bn annually.
It introduces the landmark time to train initiative, which will give employees the legal right to request time to train throughout their working lives. The introduction of the right will be phased and will be made available to employees in large businesses from April 2010 before being extended to all employees from April 2011.
It puts in place a stronger, more accountable and effective infrastructure to oversee further education and training and it also includes new measures which will build on the huge improvement in school standards over the last decade.
These include establishing Ofqual as the independent, statutory regulator of qualifications and assessment, reporting to Parliament and the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency to develop and advise Ministers on the curriculum and related qualifications.
Ofqual has operated in an interim form since April 2008 and has taken on the regulatory functions of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA).
Skills minister Kevin Brennan, said:

"Now, more than ever, we need learning and training opportunities in place that empower people to gain the skills and training they need to get on. This Act will help the country's recovery from the current economic climate and will assist people in strengthening their skills and employability.
"The new legislation will also introduce new flexibilities to help individuals access training, and ensure that the standard of training available remains high.
"The new Skills Funding Agency will help drive forward these new measures and ensure a quick response to the demand for skilled workers. It's really important that we remain committed to investing in people and their skills."
Schools Minister Vernon Coaker said:
"This Act is a vital step in equipping the country to meet the economic and social needs now and in the long-term. We want to make sure we don't make the same mistakes as in the past by failing to build a motivated, highly skilled workforce to take us through the current challenging economic times and build a secure, prosperous future.
"There have been undeniable huge improvements in school standards over the last decade − but we make no apologies for continuing to strengthen and building confidence in the system.
"An education system must have the confidence of the public. This Act will rightly be seen as landmark with the establishment of Ofqual as the first ever independent regulator of qualifications and assessment. It means we can have a properly informed and mature debate over exam standards − instead of puerile arguments, where critics deliberately handpick individual questions, from individual exams, to make sweeping generalisations about the whole education system.
"The Act also delivers a clear package of measures to build on teachers and pupils' achievements - giving schools the powers to further drive up standard and makes sure that teachers and support staff get the recognition and support they need.
"And we will not rest there. Our white paper in June set out the next steps in our reform programme − giving pupils and parents legal guarantees of what they can expect from schools; clear reforms to maintain high-quality teaching standards; and making sure the lowest performing schools get the support they need.
"The safety and welfare of children and young people is absolutely paramount − and the Act puts in place crucial steps to make sure every local authority has a Children's Trust Board with responsibility for improving the well being of children in their area. This will allow us to strengthen local arrangements to support children as they are growing up and their parents."
The other key measures of the Act are:

local authorities will take on responsibility for securing education and training for all 16 to 19 year olds, to create a single, joined up offer for all children and young people from 0 to 19, while the new Skills Funding Agency will oversee a new demand-led approach to education and training provision for adults, better tailored to the needs of businesses and learners themselves.
creating a new independent parents complaints service to strengthen the arrangements for reaching resolution in disputes between schools and parents which cannot be resolved at local level. It will provide effective redress where the school has been at fault in providing a service or handling a complaint, or support schools in their decisions where they are correctly reached;
extending the powers schools and colleges currently have to search for weapons to cover alcohol, drugs and stolen items;
schools being required to record and report significant incidents where staff have used force to control or restrain a pupil, which they are able to do where the pupil is endangering themselves or others to prevent injury, damage to property or serious breaches of school discipline;
Behaviour and Attendance Improvement Partnerships Behaviour and Attendance Improvement Partnerships being made statutory for all secondary schools, including academies though their funding agreement. Currently, schools partnerships are voluntary - though 98% of secondary schools are currently already members of partnerships;
local authorities will be ordered to replace low performing Pupil Referral Units PRUs with a specified alternative, and to hold a competition for replacement PRUs, bringing the intervention regime for PRUs into line with that for mainstream schools;
strengthening compliance with School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD) to keep up the pressure on reducing teacher workloads. Local authorities will be given power to issue compliance notices to schools which do not comply with the provisions of the School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document − which will allow or require local authorities to intervene if schools do not comply. The Secretary of State will also be given powers to direct LAs to issue compliance notices to schools;
enabling Ofsted to publish a new health check statement for schools which will reward successful schools by paving the way for a move from a three year to a five or six year inspection cycle, and enable attention to be focused on schools more in need of support;
creating a Support Staff Negotiating Body to negotiate on, and agree, a framework for all schools in England to use when determining school support staff pay and conditions - as the School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document does for teachers;
placing responsibility for securing education for young people in juvenile custody with local authorities to align more closely the education that young offenders receive while in custody with that available in the mainstream;
strengthening Children's Trusts by putting Children's Trust Boards on a statutory footing and extending the duty to co-operate to promote children's well-being to include all maintained schools, Academies, SFCs, FE colleges and Jobcentre Plus. Ministers will tomorrow launch a consultation on guidance for Children's Trusts to support the new legislation.


Top of page














Councils will have new powers to engineer economic recovery locally, following the Royal Assent of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill.

The Act strengthens the democratic role of councils to support local people and businesses to rebuild the local economy, increase jobs and skills, tackle housing shortages and improve infrastructure.
Councils will have a stronger economic role that requires them to work closely with local people and regional partners to deliver growth. The downturn has created different challenges for different areas, which is why councils, as local leaders, have been given the responsibility to find local solutions and to help to integrate these in a single, powerful regional strategy.
The Act creates:

The responsibility for developing a single regional strategy, which will provide a blueprint for housing, transport and economic development. This will create a coherent action plan for recovery in each region and will be developed jointly by the Regional Development Agencies in partnership with a new local authority Leaders' Board.
A new requirement for councils to undertake an economic assessment of their area − to ensure that authorities can understand the challenges, make informed decisions and contribute to the development of the regional strategy.
New powers to create ‚ÄòEconomic Prosperity Boards' − to give local authorities the ability to create an executive decision-making body at sub-regional level to promote economic development and regeneration across council borders, within the overall framework of the regional strategy.
The creation of Multi Area Agreements (MAAs) with statutory duties − these will provide a further option for local authorities to work together on economic development by allowing MAAs to be put on a similar statutory footing to Local Area Agreements.

Local Government Minister Rosie Winterton said:
"The global downturn has affected different areas of the country in different ways, creating challenges that require local solutions.
"Now that this Bill has been given Royal Assent, RDAs and councils will be in the driving seat for delivering strong local economies and regeneration. They now have the tools to set their areas on the path to economic recovery.
"The Act strengthens the democratic role of councils as local leaders in every region, giving them the power to work with local people and their regional partners to increase prosperity and tackle social deprivation and inequality."
Other measures include:

New powers for councils to set up mutual insurance companies to help them make efficiency savings.
A new duty on councils to promote local democracy and ensure all sections of their community understand how the council and other public bodies work, who makes the decisions and how they can get involved.
A requirement for councils to respond to local petitions on the issues that are of most importance to their local communities.
The provision of funding for a National Tenant Voice − to ensure tenants' views are central to decision-making processes.


Strengthening overview and scrutiny through the creation of a scrutiny officer and broadening the scope of what joint overview and scrutiny committees can consider.


Making the Boundary Committee for England an independent body and separate from the Electoral Commission - implements Committee on Standards in Public Life recommendations to ensure Electoral Commission's integrity and public confidence. A legally independent Boundary Committee will establish a strong national body that is impartial, independent and solely focused on overseeing boundary changes (electoral, administrative and structural) in England.


Top of page















The Government welcomed the news that the number of people in work has risen this quarter by 6,000 according to figures published by the Office for National Statistics today.

Today's figures also show that ILO unemployment has risen more slowly than many expected. At 30,000 this quarter's rise is the lowest in more than a year. ILO unemployment is 2.46 million (7.8%), reinforcing the fact that the UK labour market is performing better than most major economies.
Ministers said that the figures showed the Government's action on the economy was making a real difference.
However they warned that labour market difficulties were still expected to continue for some time to come, with further rises in unemployment expected next year. Ministers said they were determined to provide more help especially for young people.
The Government today announced the next 35,000 jobs to be created for the young and long term unemployed through the Future Jobs Fund − bringing to 95,000 the total number of jobs announced through the Fund so far.
Today's figures show that the number of 16-24 year olds classed as ILO unemployed is the same as last month's figure, but it has increased over the quarter by 15,000 to 943,000. Most of that increase is accounted for by a 14,000 rise in the number of full time students who say they are looking for work.
In total 267,000 (28%) of the 943,000 are now shown to be in full time education. The UK youth unemployment rate, even including the students looking for work, remains below the EU average.
The figures also show a major increase of 126,000 in the total number of young people in full time education over the same period, reflecting the substantial expansion of education places, including the September Guarantee.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Yvette Cooper said:
"The figures show more people in work and a lot more young people taking up our offer of full time education and training, which is welcome news.
"The fact that unemployment is significantly lower than everyone forecast at the beginning of the year shows the support for the economy is making a real difference. But we know things are still tough for a lot of families, and unemployment is expected to increase further next year. That's why we're determined to do more with an extra 35,000 youth jobs, more apprenticeships and education places so we can guarantee no young person gets stuck in long term unemployment."
The figures out today also reinforce the fact that the UK labour market is performing better than most major economies. They show UK unemployment at 7.8%, compared to an EU average of 9.2% and lower than 14 other EU countries including France (10.0%), Ireland (13.0%) and Spain (19.3%), as well as the US (10.2%) and Canada (8.6%)
Employment Minister Jim Knight said:
"When faced with the worst global recession since the 1930s we made a decision to give jobseekers the support they need, investing £5bn since last November in creating jobs, bringing in front line advisers to Jobcentre Plus and expanding training and apprenticeships.
"Today's figures show that while there is still more to do our investment is making a real difference to people's lives and ensuring that our labour market is performing well compared to other leading economies."


Top of page















A new Charter setting out what individuals, businesses and other groups dealing with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) can expect from the department, as well as what it expects from them, was launched today.

Under the Charter, HMRC gives a commitment to: respect you; help and support you to get things right; treat you as honest; treat you even-handedly; be professional and act with integrity; tackle people who deliberately break the rules and challenge those who bend the rules; protect your information and respect your privacy; accept that someone else can represent you; and do all it can to keep the cost of dealing with HMRC as low as possible.
In return, HMRC expects you to be honest, respect its staff, and take care to get things right.
The Charter also provides pointers to further information on your rights, where you can get help and support, and HMRC's role.
Welcoming the Charter, Financial Secretary to the Treasury Stephen Timms said:
"The Government is committed to making the tax system as useable and accessible as possible, for individuals, businesses and all the other organisations who interact with HMRC. The new Charter will go a long way to helping achieve that goal."
In a podcast launched today to help publicise the Charter, HMRC Permanent Secretary for Tax Dave Hartnett says:
"The Charter's key aim is to improve the relationship between HMRC and our customers, and we obviously have a crucial role in making that possible. But we can't do it all on our own. Both parties have a part to play, and that's why the Charter sets out people's rights and their responsibilities."


Top of page

























Pubs, clubs, restaurants and other retail businesses remaining open past midnight on New Year's Eve will be allowed to continue charging VAT at 15% on their sales until they close or until 6am on 1 January 2010, whichever is the earlier, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury confirmed today.

Similar arrangements will apply to telecommunications companies in respect of calls and texts made up to 6am on 1 January.
Financial Secretary to the Treasury, the Rt Hon Stephen Timms MP, said:
"New Year's Eve celebrations are a vital source of income for many in the service sector. The Government recognises that it would be very difficult for them to make the necessary changes to account for VAT at 17.5% immediately after midnight. To make the transition as easy as possible retail and telecommunication businesses will be able to charge VAT at the old rate into the early hours of New Years Day.
"I announced in May 2009 that HMRC would be allowing a ‘period of grace' to help businesses trading across midnight on 31 December in implementing the VAT rate change, and that they would work with business on the details. I am very pleased that HMRC is now able to confirm these arrangements and I hope that those businesses affected will find them helpful."
Details
The ‚Äòperiod of grace' is restricted to those businesses that account for VAT at the point of sale such as businesses on a retail scheme − pubs, shops, restaurants etc and to the cost of calls or texts made and billed in the early hours of January 1. It will not apply to businesses that account for VAT on the basis of VAT invoices issued or to mail order or on-line retail sales.
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will publish a Revenue & Customs Brief on the HMRC website (www.hmrc.gov.uk) shortly, explaining the extent of the concession in more detail.


Top of page

























Offshore tax dodgers are being warned they have one final chance to come clean, or face the consequences, in a hard-hitting YouTube video launched today by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

In the two-minute video, Dave Hartnett, HMRC's Permanent Secretary for Tax, warns that anyone with undeclared offshore bank accounts who doesn't come forward under HMRC's New Disclosure Opportunity (NDO) will face much higher penalties and even criminal prosecution.
Dave Hartnett says:
"For some people, offshore bank accounts and tax havens typically conjure up images of exotic and far away places, well out of the reach of the taxman at home. Well, life's just not like that any more. And here's a blunt message from HM Revenue & Customs: times have changed. The taxman now has more powers and more information."
And if you think you can ignore this opportunity, Mr Hartnett says "you're burying your head in the sand".
Issuing a reminder about the 30 November notification deadline, he makes it clears that people must do it now, "because there won't be another chance".
The video is available to view now by visiting the YouTube website at www.youtube.com and searching for "HMRC NDO".
For more information on the NDO, visit HMRC's website at https://ndo.hmrc.gov.uk/ndo.


Top of page

























This notice constitutes advice issued by HM Treasury about risks posed by unsatisfactory money laundering controls in a number of jurisdictions. The Money Laundering Regulations 2007 require firms to put in place policies, procedures or systems in order to prevent money laundering or terrorist financing.

Regulated businesses are also required to apply enhanced customer due diligence and enhanced ongoing monitoring on a risk-sensitive basis in certain defined situations and in "any other situation which by its nature can present a higher risk of money laundering or terrorist financing".
On 16th October 2009 the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) issued a further statement drawing attention to deficiencies in several jurisdictions of concern. The UK fully supports the work of the FATF on these matters and HM Treasury agrees with the FATF assessments.
The UK additionally draws attention to, and supports, the public statements of MONEYVAL (a FATF style regional body under the auspices of the Council of Europe) in respect of Azerbaijan in December 2008, March 2009 and September 2009.
This advice is effective immediately.
The substance of the FATF statement is attached as an Annex.
Iran
The FATF is concerned about Iran's lack of engagement with the FATF and its failure to meaningfully address the ongoing and substantial deficiencies in its AML/CFT regime.
The FATF has called on its members to apply effective countermeasures to protect their financial sectors from risks emanating from Iran, and to protect against the use of correspondent banking relationships to bypass or evade counter-measures and risk mitigation practices. The FATF has further warned that it will call upon its members and other jurisdictions to strengthen counter-measures at it's next meeting in February 2010 if Iran fails to take concrete steps to improve the deficiencies in its AML/CFT regime.
All UK businesses regulated under the Money Laundering Regulations 2007 whether financial institutions or other regulated persons should treat transactions associated with Iran as situations that by their nature can present a higher risk of money laundering or terrorist financing, and which therefore require increased scrutiny, enhanced due diligence, and ongoing monitoring, particularly where correspondent relationships are involved, which have been highlighted as a particular risk.
All other persons authorised by the Financial Services Authority should also take this advice into account in respect of their systems and controls to counter financial crime, and take appropriate actions to minimise the associated risks.
Further to the call for countermeasures by the FATF, on the 12 October 2009, HM Treasury issued a direction under the Counter Terrorism Act to the UK financial sector to cease all business relationships and transactions with Bank Mellat and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL). For further information on these directions, please see the HM Treasury website: http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/fin_crime_policy.htm
Pakistan
The FATF has expressed its concern at the approaching expiry of Pakistan's Anti-Money Laundering Ordinance, and has urged Pakistan to implement a permanent AML/CFT framework before the Ordinance expires. The FATF also noted that it would consider taking action to protect the financial system from money laundering and terrorist financing risk emanating from Pakistan in February 2010 if concrete progress has not been made by that date.
UK financial institutions regulated for money laundering purposes should pay attention to the latest FATF statement in respect of Pakistan and the risks it presents. Financial institutions should take this advice into account in respect of their systems and controls to counter financial crime, and take appropriate actions to minimise the associated risks.
Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Sao Tome and Principe
The FATF has also drawn attention to the continuing AML/CTF deficiencies in Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Sao Tome and Principe.
The attention of UK financial institutions regulated for money laundering purposes is therefore drawn to the FATF statements in respect of those jurisdictions, and the risks that they continue to present. They should take this advice into account in respect of their systems and controls to counter financial crime, and take appropriate actions to minimise the associated risks.
Azerbaijan
MONEYVAL drew attention to deficiencies in the AML/CTF regime in Azerbaijan through statements in December 2008, March 2009 and September 2009.
The attention of UK financial institutions regulated for money laundering purposes is therefore drawn to the latest MONEYVAL statement in respect of this jurisdiction, and the risks that it continues to present.


Top of page

























A national campaign aimed at helping older people and students protect themselves from distraction burglars was launched today with a role play class led by The Bill star Graham Cole.

The class at the Peckham Settlement is part of a six-month campaign to provide advice and practical support to elderly people and students. These groups can be vulnerable to distraction burglary, where criminals trick their way into a victim's home often by posing as utility company workers. Approximately 9,000 distraction burglaries take place each year.
Free 'Secure Your Home' packs are also available and face-to-face advice will be provided through road shows in England and Wales. This work complements the tough action the Home Office is taking to tackle offenders.
Home Office Minister Alan Campbell, said:
"Burglary has fallen 54 per cent since 1997 but we know crimes like this could face upward pressure during a recession, which is why we have taken action with a £15 million package of support for the most vulnerable areas and communities.
"But it is vital people remember to check the identity of any stranger who calls at their home, genuine callers will not mind waiting. Help and support is available from the police, local authorities, and utility companies so please make sure you use it."
Actor Graham Cole, who played the role of PC Tony Stamp in The Bill, said:
"A role-play class is an easy way to help people learn the skills and gain the confidence to deal with bogus callers. By running through a few simple scenarios we will show them exactly what to do when someone knocks on their door.
"However the most important piece of advice anytime someone knocks on your door is if in doubt keep them out."
Andrew Harrop, Head of Public Policy for Age Concern and Help the Aged, said:
"Distraction burglary is a heartless crime which can have a devastating impact on older people, both emotionally and financially."Distraction burglars are calculating thieves and can be very convincing, so it is important that people take simple security precautions before letting a stranger into their home."
It is important to make sure that callers are genuine and the advice from the police is to:
* keep doors locked, and use a door chain to keep doorstep visitors out, * check identification properly ensuring the phone number matches the number in the yellow pages or call directory enquiries to be sure; and *sign up for and use a free Personal Password from your utilities supplier
The launch forms part of a wider winter campaign to reduce the 9,000 incidents of distraction burglary each year. Local and national organisations throughout England and Wales are providing practical support to people who are more vulnerable to burglary including older people, students, young people and those in shared accommodation. There will also be a series of regional roadshows around the country to raise awareness of distraction burglary.
For more information people can register for a free Secure Your Home pack by calling free phone 0800 456 1213 and quoting 'Burglary Pack'.


Top of page

























Every migrant who enters the UK will require 'permission' to stay under new draft proposals published in Parliament today.

Under measures in the draft Immigration Bill, the five current application categories available to migrants will be replaced by one clear concept - 'permission' to be in the UK. With this new approach, migrants will either be granted permission or refused, making the rules easier for applicants and staff. Those in the UK must gain permission or face removal for breaking the law.
These proposals are the next step in building on the rapid progress the Government has made in tightening up Britain's border controls.
Over the past three years the UK has seen the introduction of e-borders to check individuals in and out of the country and the implementation of the Points Based System which ensures that only those who benefit the economy can come here to work.
In order to bring together the essential changes that have already taken place, the Government is proposing a new Bill to bring forward a new legal framework to simplify and consolidate 40 years of Immigration laws. This will make the system more transparent than ever before.
Border and Immigration Minister Phil Woolas said:
"This Government has implemented the biggest overhaul of the immigration system for a generation and it is important that UK laws reflect these changes.
"I believe that Parliament should be in primary control of immigration - this Bill will ensure that Parliament and not case law determines policy.
"The draft Immigration Bill we have published today will enable us to work more efficiently and is the next step in bringing together the strong measures we have put in place to control our borders and making them simpler to use and enforce."
The new, temporary, time-limited, permission will be given for a particular purpose to visit, work or study and is subject to conditions such as access to work or public funds. Permanent residents will be given permission without any time limit or conditions attached.
The draft Bill also proposes a new streamlined power of expulsion replacing the current powers of deportation and removal. Individuals who are issued with an expulsion order will be required to leave the UK and will not be able to re-enter while the order is in force.
A tough new menu of conditions is proposed for those on immigration bail including; restrictions on residence, work or study; access to public funds; reporting and electronic monitoring.
Also today, the Government published proposals for a new streamlined asylum support system. The suggested shake up includes proposals to:
* make the principles of the asylum system clear to all who apply, rewarding those who play by the rules and getting tough with those who do not;
* streamline the current complex system of support to make it easier to understand and easier to operate; and
* do more to ensure the system works towards the return of those who have been found to have no protection needs and who have no right to be in the United Kingdom.
Border and Immigration Minister Phil Woolas said:
"I believe our proposals strike a fair balance between supporting asylum seekers while their claim is being determined and encouraging the return of those who have no protection needs and who have no right to be in the UK.
"We expect those who apply for asylum to abide by the rules. If their claim has been refused, we expect them to leave the country. If they do not, we will enforce their return.
Alongside this, the Government also published today, the responses to its consultation into the Oversight of the Immigration Advice Sector which was launched in May and aimed to improve the way the sector is regulated.
To ensure that advice given to individuals seeking to remain in the UK is of a high standard, the Government will retain the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) and will consider a range of measures to allow for greater levels of intervention such as the power to deregister businesses, the power of inspection and the ability to serve improvement and probation notices.
Finally, following the publication of the Migration Advisory Committee's (MAC) shortage occupation list on 21 October, the Government has today announced that it is accepting the recommended list in full.
Under 500,000, which is less than two per cent employees, work in occupations and jobs on the recommended shortage list. This has been reduced from a corresponding figure of 700,000 a year ago.
Border and Immigration Minister Phil Woolas said:
"The Migration Advisory Committee's shortage occupation list is a powerful tool in making the points based system work for Britain's economic benefit.
"The MAC can respond quickly to changing economic needs, making sure we only get the foreign workers we need."


Top of page

GOVERNMENT CONFIRMS MAJORITY OF BUSINESS RATE BILLS WILL FALL