Blog

Recycling changes

​As of 31 March 2025, new regulations have come into effect in England, requiring workplaces to adopt simplified recycling practices. These measures aim to eliminate confusion over waste sorting, enhance recycling rates, and reduce waste sent to landfills or incineration. ​ Key Requirements for Workplaces: Separation of Waste Streams: Workplaces with 10 or more employees must arrange for the collection of: Dry recyclable materials, including plastic, metal, glass, paper, and card.​ Food waste.​ Residual (non-recyclable)...

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Pubs and premises insurance

In March 2025, the Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA) wrote to all pub-owning businesses to reinforce the importance of complying with Regulation 46 of the Pubs Code. This regulation focuses on how premises insurance is handled and, crucially, the tied tenant’s right to seek a price match on insurance premiums. Under Regulation 46, pub companies must give tenants full information about the premises insurance arrangements when the tenant is expected to pay the cost. This includes explaining how premiums are calculated and giving tenants the chance to...

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Applying for student loans

Student Loans help cover the cost of university or college in the UK. Whether you're full-time, part-time, or heading into postgrad study, here’s what you need to know about applying for 2025-26 funding—even if your plans aren’t final yet. Student Loans are an essential part of the government’s financial support system for individuals pursuing higher education in the UK. These loans are designed to assist students in covering their living and educational costs during their time at university or college. If you usually reside in England,...

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Childcare grants

Juggling higher education and parenting? Childcare Grants can ease the pressure by covering up to 85% of your childcare costs. If you're a full-time student with young children, this grant could make a real difference—and it doesn’t need to be repaid. Childcare Grants provide financial support to help students cover the cost of childcare while studying. These grants are aimed at students who are parents or guardians, easing the financial strain of childcare during their higher education journey. You may be eligible for a Childcare Grant...

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Beneficial interests in jointly held property

Couples who jointly own rental property are usually taxed 50:50, even if they own different shares. But if you're married or in a civil partnership, Form 17 lets you split income based on actual ownership—provided you meet HMRC's rules. The standard tax treatment for couples living together, whether married or in a civil partnership, is that property income held jointly is split 50:50, regardless of the actual ownership proportion. However, if the ownership is unequal and the couple wishes to have the income taxed in line with their...

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Making Tax Digital for Income Tax

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD for IT) will become mandatory in phases from April 2026. If you’re self-employed or a landlord earning over £50,000, get ready for quarterly updates, digital record keeping, and a new penalty system. Initially, MTD for IT will apply to businesses, self-employed individuals, and landlords with an annual income exceeding £50,000. From 6 April 2027, the rules will extend to those with an income between £30,000 and £50,000. A new system of penalties for late filing and late payment of tax will also be...

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LLP salaried members

Not all LLP members are taxed as partners. HMRC may treat them as employees if they meet certain conditions. Here's how the salaried member rules work, what the three-part test involves, and who’s excluded from the legislation. The salaried member legislation can apply to certain members of a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP). This can happen where HMRC consider that a member of an LLP is not a risk-taking partner and can be re-classified as a salaried member. Prior to 2014, all individual members of an LLP were taxed as if they were a...

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Time off for jury service

If your employee is called for jury service, you must allow them time off—but you're not required to pay them. Here’s a clear look at your responsibilities, options, and how to handle disruptions and pay during their absence. If your staff members are called to serve on a jury, you are required to grant them the necessary time off for jury service. If their absence would significantly disrupt your business, you may ask them to request a postponement of their jury service. The employee must agree to this request and provide written...

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CGT holding over gains if you gift business assets

Gift Hold-Over Relief lets you defer Capital Gains Tax when giving away business assets or qualifying shares. It can be a tax-smart move for passing on wealth, but strict rules apply. Here’s what you need to know to claim it properly. Gift Hold-Over Relief is essentially a deferral of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) when assets, including certain shares, are either given away or sold for less than their market value to benefit the recipient. This relief ensures that any gain on the asset is 'Held-Over' until the recipient decides to sell or dispose of...

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Spring Statement Summary March 2025

Spring Statement 2025: Key Tax Measures and Modernisation Initiatives Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Spring Statement 2025, delivered on 26 March, arrived at a critical point for the UK economy. With the Office for Budget Responsibility downgrading growth forecasts to just over 1% for the year and borrowing costs climbing, the tone of the statement was more pragmatic than bold. The Chancellor focused on reforming the tax system, encouraging economic resilience, and driving public sector efficiency. What she did not deliver is an easing of the...

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