Employment Issues

One in three employees face dismissal after the implementation of an EU directive which gives agency and temporary workers similar benefits (after 12 weeks’ employment) to those permanently employed.

If you require advice, either as an employer or employee, contact Jeffrey Lewis.

Horrors Facing Those Who Hold Powers Of Attorney

Brian Williams (The Guardian 10/09/2011) highlights the difficulties which he faces whilst managing his elderly mother’s affairs. He details the appalling incompetencies of various banks and other organisations when dealing with such a difficult and sensitive situation.

If you find that you are facing similar difficulties take specialist advice now.

You would be amazed how quickly these organisations react when they receive a strongly worded solicitor’s letter.

Contact: enquiries or Prue Abrahams.

Housing Market News

Various articles have been published this week about the difficulties of getting on the housing ladder. It seems that a potential buyer will require an average deposit of £66,000 – an increase of 70% over the last 20 years!

There is some light at the end of the tunnel; David Spittles of the Independent (16/09/2011) states that property prices in University towns and cities have risen 70% over the last 10 years. It seems that many parents are making buy to let investments in student accommodation.

Contact: enquiries or Richard McConnell, Barry Hellewell.

Camden Listed as One of the Top 20 Education Property Hot Spots

The Telegraph (see Property News 03/09/2011) has listed Camden as one of their top 20 education property hot spots for 2011.

They cite the location of both University College School and South Hampstead High school as the reasons for this accolade. They forget to mention the excellent state primary and secondary schools not just in Camden but throughout North London.

If you are considering buying in any of these areas contact: enquiries or Richard McConnell, Barry Hellewell.

HMRC Targets 800 HSBC Swiss Bank Account Holders

The Sunday Times (04/09/2011) business news, leads with an article about 800 ‘prominent’ people who have received letters from HM Revenue & Customs informing them that they are being investigated for “serious tax fraud”.

Tax accountants are advising clients to contact the Revenue immediately and disclose.

However, that may not be the end of it. If you are such an individual who has received a letter under ‘code of practice 9’, beware that HMRC or any other investigative body may consider prosecuting for money laundering and/or fraud offences.

Money laundering is a huge area which can cover any number of scenarios. If you have any concerns before you or your accountants approach HMRC, seek specialist tax/crime advice.

We are one of the few criminal specialist firms that regularly advise on tax situations and we currently advise a number of individuals in this particular situation. Contact Jeffrey Lewis or Siobhain Egan.

38% Increase in Tax Evasion Convictions

An article in the Guardian (27/08/2011) reports that there has been a 38% increase in convictions for tax evasion.

This follows the promise of £917 million by the government to HRMC to enable them to increase their prosecutions fivefold.

Last week six individuals (all plumbers) were arrested for tax evasion and there are apparently 600 individuals facing civil investigations for failing to pay the correct amount of tax.

Vivienne Westwood UK has recently come to an agreement with HRMC concerning the valuation of the UK company.

If you find yourself in a similar situation please contact Jeffrey Lewis or Siobhain Egan. Between them they have many years experience of successfully dealing with these cases, all at practical realistic pricing levels. We work with a hand picked team of reasonably priced forensic/tax accountants.

Chancellor and HRMC Step up Campaign against Offshore Tax Havens

There has been much news this week about the landmark agreement between the Swiss Authorities and HRMC. The Swiss have agreed, according to the Daily Telegraph and the Independent, to maintain their secrecy status but will tax all monies held by UK taxpayers without revealing the identity of the account holders.

This has had a mixed reception. Many feel that this has not gone far enough; HRMC feel that they could benefit to the tune of £5 billion.

UK taxpayers can avoid this by stepping up, availing of the current amnesty and paying.

Many tax professionals feel that a lot of of these account holders will move their money to Liechtenstein and avail themselves of the Liechtenstein Disclosure Agreement which is more limited; that agreement only requires back payment of taxes from 1999/2000 rather than the total value of assets held as per the Swiss Agreement.

Those holding money in either Jersey or Guernsey, and who have failed to disclose their monies, face penalties of 200% of the tax evaded.

It seems that the Chancellor and HRMC are next targeting Panama and BVI.

If you have any concerns about this please contact Jeffrey Lewis or Siobhain Egan.

Record Sentences Handed Down

Record sentences were handed down for Tomas Wilmot and his sons, convicted this week of £14 million ‘boiler room fraud’.

Second Investment Banker Charged by the FSA

A second investment banker charged by the FSA appears in City Of Westminster Magistrates’ Court today along with two female co-defendants. He is the first to be charged with an offence of ‘encouraging insider dealing’.

Equity Release Scheme Advice

“Would you rather write your own will or have the government write it for you?”– Sir Gerry Robinson.

In these turbulent economic times people are rightly concerned about leaving adequate provision for their families and/or dependents whilst maximising any fiscal advantage. Increasingly people are drawing down the equity in the family home and making inter vivos gifts.

If you are considering this, it is IMPERATIVE that you consult a specialist fully qualified lawyer who can fully advise about these issues in depth.

Contact our wills and probate partner Prue Abrahams.

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