Business and Other Briefings

HMRC: The software industry, after consultation with HM Revenue and Customs, is producing simple record keeping mobile apps for small businesses.   

The apps, which are mostly FREE, complement existing HMRC record-keeping guidance & tools.  They aim to help small businesses & the self-employed who are below the VAT threshold - £77,000 ­maintain good records and estimate what their tax liability might be.
Press release & links
 
DWP: Current private pensions regulations are being put in the spotlight from this week, as part of the Government’s 'Red Tape Challenge'From 19 April – 10 May pensions regulations such as defined benefit legislation, the protection regime and legislation relating to the role of the trustee will be examined as part of a cross-Government drive to abolish outdated or unnecessary regulations.
 
People who deal with pensions processes day-to-day are being urged to tell the Department for Work and Pensions specifically which regulations they think are too burdensome. Overall, of just under 1,500 regulations considered so far, the Government has committed to scrap or improve well over 50%.
Press release & links
Spotlight on women at Serco – Anita’s story