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High Court waits for no lawyer
An appeal was recently lost after an application for an oral hearing was made just two days late. Evans v Pinsent Mason LLP [2019] EWHC 2150 (QB) This decision is a timely reminder of the strictness of court deadlines and of the importance of being upfront with the court (and your opponent) which, on this occasion, was unwilling to forgive ambiguity as to whether the deadline had been met.
Read moreSmart & Son - Supreme Court confirms VAT incurred on funds raised for business purpose was recoverable
In HMRC v Frank A Smart & Son [2019] UKSC 39, the Supreme Court has held that a farming company was entitled to repayment of input VAT charged on its acquisition of single farm payment entitlement units which were related to its overall economic activities and future taxable supplies.
Read moreHong Kong insurance regulation update - Regulator Codes of Conduct for Brokers and Agents
With effect from 23 September 2019, the independent Hong Kong Insurance Authority (the IA) will take over regulation of insurance intermediaries from the three existing self-regulatory organisations (the Hong Kong Confederation of Insurance Brokers, the Professional Insurance Brokers Association, and Insurance Agents Registration Board) and administer a new statutory licensing regime.
Read moreNatasha's law - legislation requiring ingredients labelling on all pre-packaged foods presented in Parliament
On Thursday 5th September, 'Natasha's Law' was presented in Parliament. This is new legislation which mandates full ingredients labelling on all pre-packaged food.
Read moreSpotlight on private wealth - September 2019
Our quarterly update is designed to keep you up to speed with developments in disputes, and how you can avoid them, in the private client world.
Read moreTax update - September 2019
In this month’s update we report on (1) HMRC’s consultation on draft regulations implementing the requirement to disclose certain cross-border arrangements; (2) the Financial Secretary to the Treasury’s statement to Parliament on HMRC powers; and (3) the government’s response to the Joint Committee’s recommendations on the Draft Registration of Overseas Entities Bill.
Read moreUsing was/now price reductions
A recent ASA decision against Zestify Media has confirmed that a “WAS” price must represent a genuine saving when compared with a “NOW” price. This means checking that sales were actually made at the higher price during the relevant period and ensuring you don't advertise the lower price for materially longer than the higher price.
Read moreLevy – Tribunal rejects application for final and partial closure notices
In The Executors of Mrs R W Levy v HMRC [2019] UKFTT 418 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT), has held that HMRC was not in a position to issue either a final or partial closure notice.
Read moreEnter the avatar - is this medicine's new "reality"?
A brief look at the use of virtual and augmented reality technology in medical treatment, and some of the legal issues that could arise
Read moreNotice givers take care – ignore the contract at your peril
The Court of Appeal has confirmed in Stobart Group Ltd & Anor v William Stobart & Anor [1] that an objective test will be applied when assessing whether a unilateral contractual notice has been validly given. This decision also provides a cautionary reminder of the consequences of a party's failure to comply strictly with contractual notice provisions. [1] [2019] EWCA Civ 1376
Read moreProduct liability update August 2019
A round-up of some of the recent product liability stories making the news.
Read moreAuto-renewals and other consumer terms under the spotlight
The CMA has launched an investigation into potentially unfair terms in online gaming customer terms and conditions, such as auto-renewals, cancellation processes and discretion to alter clauses.
Read moreCorporate tax update August 2019
Welcome to the latest edition of our Corporate Tax Update, written by members of RPC’s tax team. This month’s update reports on the key developments from July 2019 and includes a summary of the key business tax measures coming out of the publication of the draft Finance Bill 2020 legislation. There is also commentary on the draft regulations and consultation document published by HMRC on the UK’s implementation of DAC6 (mandatory disclosure of cross-border tax planning arrangements).
Read moreCustoms and excise quarterly update: August 2019
In this update we report on (1) revised guidance on the Customs Special Procedures for the Union Customs Code; (2) the consultation HMRC has opened into proposed changes to the rules for red diesel used in private pleasure crafts; and (3) the government’s programme to replace EU international agreements with bilateral agreements ready for the UK’s exit from the EU. We also comment on three recent cases relating to (1) whether HMRC has the power to permit temporary trading pending the determination of an appeal to the First-tier Tribunal; (2) excise wrongdoing penalties raised out of time; and (3) an appeal against an assessment for unpaid excise duty.
Read moreHigh Court rejects Part VII transfer - Prudential and Rothesay Life
High Court rejects Part VII transfer in Prudential and Rothesay Life case which had been approved by the regulators and blessed by the independent expert.
Read moreSnapshots Summer 2019
This is your roundup of all recent legal updates spanning advertising & marketing, commercial cases,technology / digital, data protection and intellectual property.
Read moreFCA introduces 18-month grace period for two-factor authentication for online transactions
The Financial Conduct Authority this week agreed an 18-month "implementation plan" for Strong Customer Authentication (also known as "two-factor authentication").
Read moreSharpen your blue pencil: the doctrine of severance in employment cases
In Tillman v Egon Zehnder Ltd [2019] UKSC 32, one such business asked the Supreme Court to reconsider the law and to change it to be fit for modern day purposes. In its landmark judgment handed down in July, the Supreme Court has done so. The core facts of the case are not unusual. Egon Zehnder (EZ) is a global specialist executive search and recruitment business. EZ recruited Mary-Caroline Tillman in 2004. As the High Court judge observed, the company regarded Ms Tillman as “a bit special”. She was recruited into a senior role on a salary of £120,000 and first year bonus of £100,000 and then rose steadily through the ranks of the organisation. By 2012, Ms Tillman was joint global head of the company’s financial services practice and a shareholder in the Swiss holding company.
Read moreClarity, clarity, clarity; more contract drafting lessons from the court
Keep under review options for terminating contracts which are no longer needed or pay the price. We discuss an interesting approach from the High Court to the well-known principles of contractual interpretation in Macquarie Capital v Nordsee. [2019] EWHC 1655 (Comm)
Read moreAbridged Advice and Workplace Pension Schemes - digging deeper into the FCA's Latest Pension Transfer Consultation Paper
Now that the dust has settled on the FCA's latest Consultation Paper on Pension Transfers (CP19/25), is there more to the regulator's proposals than first met the eye?
Read moreAbridged Advice and Workplace Pension Schemes - digging deeper into the FCA's Latest Pension Transfer Consultation Paper
Now that the dust has settled on the FCA's latest Consultation Paper on Pension Transfers (CP19/25), is there more to the regulator's proposals than first met the eye?
Read moreThe Senior Managers and Certification regime: The Final Countdown
With only a few months to go until the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR) is extended to apply to all sole-regulated firms, the FCA has released further near-final rules and produced a report on its findings as to how firms in the banking sector have embedded the regime since March 2016.
Read moreLidl held to mislead consumers with cheesy price comparison
When looking at Lidl's price comparison ad, which compared a number of prices of products with Morrisons, the Advertising Standards Authority found that if a retailer knows their competitor is offering a price promotion on a product, it can’t use the competitor’s normal higher price to make the comparison. This applies even if the backdrop to a savings claim is a year-long price comparison.
Read moreeFootball transfers: Juve and Man U snub FIFA to sign for PES
The RPC Sports group round-up football eSports deals: Juventus and Manchester United sign eSports partnerships with Pro Evolution Soccer, whilst Liverpool FC partners with FIFA.
Read moreGeneral liability newsletter - August 2019
The latest general liability news coming out of the courts.
Read moreANO - pre-ordained transactions avoided CGT losses being caught by pre-entry loss rules
In ANO (No1) Limited v HMRC [2019] UKFTT 406 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has held that a pre-ordained series of transactions implemented to avoid the application of Schedule 7A, Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 (TCGA) to pre-entry losses were effective.
Read moreInverclyde – Enquiry into LLP returns invalid as opened under incorrect statutory provisions
In Inverclyde and another v HMRC [2019] UKFTT 0408 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has held that enquiries opened, and closure notices issued, to limited liability partnerships (LLPs) were invalid as HMRC should have enquired into the LLPs returns under paragraph 24, Schedule 18, Finance Act 1998 (FA 1998) and not section 12AC, Taxes Management Act 1970 (TMA).
Read moreAn innocent party is entitled to damages, even though performance of the contract is impossible
The Court of Appeal considered the proper interpretation of exceptions or force majeure clauses and provided guidance on the correct application of the compensatory principle of damages in Classic Maritime v Limbungan. Classic Maritime Inc v Limbungan Makmur SDN BHD & Anor [2019] EWCA Civ 1102
Read moreTax update - August 2019
In this month’s update we report on (1) HMRC’s summary of responses to its ‘protecting your taxes in insolvency’ consultation; (2) HMRC’s policy paper on the misuse of company insolvencies; and (3) HMRC’s new guidance on loan relationships and derivatives regime anti-avoidance rules.
Read moreCourt of Appeal guidance on liability of financial advice networks for appointed representatives
In what circumstances is a financial advice network liable for the acts and omissions of its appointed representatives (ARs)? The Court of Appeal has today provided valuable guidance for those operating this business model. The decision will be welcomed by financial advice networks in confirming, in particular, that they are able to place restrictions on the business of ARs for which they have accepted responsibility.
Read moreCorrado – Tribunal cancels follower notice penalties
In Giulio Corrado v HMRC [2019] UKFTT 275 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has set aside a follower notice penalty as the taxpayer's failure to take corrective action in response to a follower notice was reasonable in all the circumstances.
Read moreWarshaw – preference shares equal to ordinary share capital and taxpayer entitled to entrepreneurs' relief
In Steven Warshaw v HMRC [2019] UKFTT 268 (TCC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has confirmed that as the relevant preference shares did not attract a fixed dividend, they could amount to ordinary share capital for the purpose of entrepreneur's relief (ER).
Read moreWhat next for the Energy Performance of Retail Buildings?
After the initial success of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and the widespread introduction of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) into property transactions, what can we expect from the proposed revisions of the EPBD?
Read moreDevelopment Securities – Jersey-incorporated SPVs held not to be UK tax resident
In Development Securities plc and others v HMRC [2019] UKUT 0169 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal (UT) has held that a number of Jersey-incorporated companies were in fact resident for tax purposes in Jersey. This decision overturned the decision of the First-tier Tribunal (FTT), which had held that the companies were UK tax resident as a result of the central management and control (CMC) of the companies being exercised in the UK (through the companies’ parent). The UT took the view that the FTT had incorrectly concluded that the Jersey company directors had abdicated their decision-making responsibility.
Read moreThe Art of the (Settlement) Deal
According to the English Court of Appeal, giving up a right which the debtor does not even know he has is sufficient consideration for settling a debt. But the vexed question of what amounts to "good" consideration remains uncertain enough for those entering into a contract always to consider whether good consideration has been given. If in doubt, pay a nominal amount.[1]
Read moreMake the most of a mediation - 10 Top Tips
Preparation for a mediation is key- you get out what you put in. Here are our top 10 tips for making the most out of the mediation process to successfully settle your dispute.
Read moreVAT update July 2019
In this month’s update we report on (1) the revocation of the VAT (Finance) (EU Exit) Order; (2) a recent HMRC Brief that clarifies HMRC’s policy on the scope of VAT for transport services; and (3) new regulations which amend the rules on when VAT adjustments may be made following a change to the price of goods and services.
Read moreCarlsberg in the clear on the inappropriate targeting of under-18s
What steps do you need to take to ensure that age restricted products do not target the wrong audience?
Read morePushing back on APP scams
An Authorised Push Payment (APP) is where a payer instructs their payment service provider, such as their bank, to send money from their account to another. These payments are usually made through the Faster Payment Service or CHAPS.
Read more"Alexa, my symptoms are…"
Amazon has announced that Alexa will now provide its users medical advice directly from the NHS website. This blog looks at the potential impacts of this change.
Read moreIs it time for a three day weekend?
Reducing the number of days in work was an idea first explored by John Maynard Keynes in 1930 when he predicted that in the next 100 years the working week would only be 15 hours. Whilst his prediction has yet to come to fruition, an increasing number of businesses are switching to a four day week in light of claims of increased productivity and staff happiness.
Read moreCorporate tax update July 2019
Welcome to the latest edition of our Corporate Tax Update, written by members of RPC’s tax team. This month’s report includes summaries of the recent decision of the Upper Tribunal on corporate tax residence in Development Securities plc, two ECJ decisions on cross-border loss relief and yet another decision on the application of the ‘IR35’ rules.
Read moreMarks & Spencer – 'free' wine supplied as part of a promotional offer was subject to VAT
In Marks and Spencer plc v HMRC [2019] UKUT 0182 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal (UT) has upheld the First-tier Tribunal's (FTT) decision that wine supplied 'free of charge' as part of a promotion was subject to VAT.
Read moreMPs Vote to Lift Abortion Ban in Northern Ireland
Last Wednesday MPs in Westminster voted in favour of lifting the abortion ban in Northern Ireland by a majority of 332 votes to 99. The passing of the amendment has been hailed as a historic day for women's rights but what does it mean practically?
Read moreOWD – HMRC unable to permit temporary trading pending appeal
In OWD Ltd trading as Birmingham Cash and Carry (in Liquidation) and Anor v HMRC [2019] UKSC 30, the Supreme Court has held that HMRC does not have power under section 88C, Alcohol Duties Liquor Act 1979 (ALDA) or section 9, Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005 (CRCA), to permit temporary trading pending the determination of an appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) against HMRC's refusal to grant approval under the Alcohol Wholesalers Registration Scheme (AWRS).
Read moreGuidance on misleading "faux fur" claims in clothes and accessories
The Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) has issued an Enforcement Notice advising that retailers should be careful as to how they may unwittingly advertise products as "faux fur" when they may actually contain real animal fur.
Read moreRetail Compass Summer edition 2019
Welcome to the Summer 2019 edition of Retail Compass – our guide to key upcoming legal and policy changes affecting Retail and our thoughts on the need-to-know issues.
Read moreSpurs suffer Champions League defeat to the Advertising Standards Authority
Spurs' heartbreak in Madrid was not the only loss they suffered on their Champions League journey this year. A tweet from Spurs announcing their line-up for their knock-out game against Borussia Dortmund featured the gambling operator William Hill, and was ruled to contravene the CAP Code.
Read moreFCA announces new rules on peer-to-peer lending
The FCA has published its policy statement on peer-to-peer (P2P) lending following a lengthy public consultation into the crowdfunding industry in general. The policy statement introduces a large number of new rules for P2P platforms and includes restrictions on direct marketing to non-sophisticated / high net worth investors unless they are receiving regulated advice, and ensuring such investors do not place more than 10% of their investable capital in P2P platforms.
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