Business and Other Briefings

HMRC: HMRC has issued an alert to VAT-registered businesses across the UK about important changes that come into effect this spring. From 1 April 2012, all VAT-registered businesses must send their VAT returns online and pay their VAT electronically.
Press release & links
 
ScotGov: A Memorandum of Understanding on Culture between China and Scotland has been signed, committing the governments in Beijing & Edinburgh to supporting greater exchange & collaboration across the arts, creative industries, heritage and national collections.
Press release & links
 
HO: Plans are on track to restore common sense to employment vetting processes while ensuring public protection, Criminal Information Minister, Lynne Featherstone, said as the government responded to an independent review – See ‘Policy Statements & Initiatives’ section for more information.
 
BIS: Plans to change the way that businesses experience ‘frontline enforcement’, such as business inspections have been set out, including a full scale review of UK regulatory bodies and moves to cut the number of inspections for ‘compliant’ firms - See ‘Policy Statements & Initiatives’ section for more information.
 
HMRCRevenue & Customs Brief 43/11
This Brief reminds traders about the forthcoming withdrawal of Extra Statutory Class Concession 3:16 relating to first time connection charges to the gas or electricity mains supply.
 
HMRCRevenue & Customs Brief 39/11: This brief provides further information on the decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union in respect of HMRC v - The Rank Group plc: principle of fiscal neutrality.
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