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"NEW FLAMENCO" – Supreme Court reverses Court of Appeal
In a shock decision, the Supreme Court has allowed shipowners' appeal in the "NEW FLAMENCO". The Supreme Court held that the sale of the ship following the repudiation of the charterparty was not an act in mitigation, and was not relevant to the calculation of damages for breach of contract.
Read moreVAT update, June 2017
In this month's update we report on proposals for the reduced VAT rate for e-publications, HMRC's first publication of VAT Notes 2017, in which it explains changes to VAT for businesses, and the latest stage in the long-running compound interest litigation involving Littlewoods.
Read moreFCA proposes remedies following asset management sector market study
The FCA today published the final findings of its asset management market study and it has announced the remedies that will be implemented to address the concerns previously identified.
Read moreContinued FCA focus on appointed representatives – more regulatory interventions in the London Market
FCA announce follow up supervisory work and regulatory interventions on insurance intermediaries with networks of appointed representatives (ARs).
Read moreRai - Tribunal quashes penalties for non-payment of PPNs and criticises HMRC's 'nitpicking pedantry'
In Rai v HMRC [2017] UKFTT 0467 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) was critical of HMRC's conduct and cancelled assessments to penalties which it had issued for failure to pay on time amounts demanded in partner payment notices (PPNs), as the statutory payment period had not expired.
Read moreCowboys beware; the AML Sheriff is on her way
With under a year until the first Financial Action Task Force ("FATF") visit to the UK in a decade, the FCA is consulting on proposed changes to its Handbook as the new money laundering regulations ("MLR 2017") come into force today.
Read moreAnother bad bargain upheld: Wood v Sureterm Direct Ltd [2017] UKSC 24
The Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal in Wood v Sureterm Direct Ltd. The Court upheld the Court of Appeal's decision on the meaning of an indemnity clause, and agreed with its application of established contractual interpretation doctrine. The decision confirms the established judicial approach to contractual interpretation, namely the focus on the words of a given clause.
Read moreFitness and a Full Time Job
With sedentary and time-consuming jobs, it can be difficult to find the time to get the recommended level of exercise in each week. Rebecca May considers how to juggle fitness and a full time job.
Read moreFCA consultation on pension transfers – what does it mean for advisers?
The FCA threatened it and now we have it – on 21 June the FCA published its consultation paper on DB transfers and safeguarded benefit conversions.
Read morePitcher - Tribunal finds in favour of taxpayer in APN penalty appeal
In Graham Pitcher [2017] UKFTT 0406 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) allowed the taxpayer's appeal against a penalty for non-payment of an Accelerated Payment Notice (APN) due to defects in the APN.
Read moreElection results a mixed bag for retailers
The immediate impact of last week’s election was a mixed bag for retailers in the UK, with some share prices falling whilst others were on the up following the result.
Read moreFull and frank disclosure – how independent is your expert witness?
This Court of Appeal judgment considers the admissibility of expert evidence where the expert failed to disclose details of a professional relationship with a party.
Read moreEven More Challenging Times – 5 More Risks Following The Grant of Planning Permission
This post is the second in a two-part series in which we highlight ten areas where the risk of a third party challenge against the grant of planning permission might arise. The list we have given is not exhaustive, but all issues fall within the broad parameters for judicial review grounds, being decisions which have been taken irrationality, ultra vires (outside the scope of the authority's powers), or with procedural irregularity.
Read moreElection result may be a boost for insurers of highly regulated products
The political uncertainty following last week’s general election could in fact be good news for insurers of heavily regulated products, such as medical devices.
Read moreElection result may be a boost for insurers of highly regulated products
The political uncertainty following last week’s general election could in fact be good news for insurers of heavily regulated products, such as medical devices.
Read moreFirst advice/information decision after BPE
On 19 May 2017 His Honour Judge Moulder handed down his judgment in the case of the Halsall and others v Champion Consulting Ltd and others [2017] EWHC 1079 (QB).
Read moreArcher: judicial review in the context of statutory tax appeals
The High Court's judgment in R (on the application of Archer) v HMRC [2017] EWHC 296 (Admin) is one of a number of recent decisions where it has been found that the taxpayer had not challenged HMRC's decision in the correct forum.
Read moreResponsibility of a parent company for the acts of its subsidiary
The Court provided helpful analysis of the circumstances in which a parent company owes a duty of care with regard to operations carried out by its subsidiary. The case is interesting to examine in the context of the readiness of the English courts to hear claims relating to conduct outside of the jurisdiction brought by foreign claimants.
Read moreWill robo-advice mean checkmate for human financial advisers?
With continuing advances in artificial intelligence and the rise in 'robo-advisers', is financial advice following in the footsteps of chess, where computers have long since outstripped humans in ability? Are human financial advisers nearing checkmate or is the endgame still unclear?
Read moreHealth and safety law update, June 2017
This issue includes details on The Sentencing Council publishing a new guideline for entering an early guilty plea, in addition to the most recent fines and sentences imposed on companies around the UK.
Read moreTackling the Problem of Fake News
It is widely believed that fake news has had an impact on some of the most controversial recent political decisions.
Read moreWhy the winner won't take it all in tomorrow's General Election
William Kark, RPC Trainee, considers the other key players - such as backbenchers, House of Lords, Gina Miller - in the General Election on 8 June 2017.
Read moreLightning in a Bot-tle – political conversation in the age of automation
Robots are responsible for one in eight tweets about the General Election.
Read moreChallenging Times - 5 Risks Following The Grant of Planning Permission
Developers and local authorities will be only too aware that third parties can challenge a grant of planning permission through the courts by way of a judicial review. An application for such a challenge is costly, and must be made quickly. Further, it can only be brought on limited grounds. Whilst this may offer a developer or local authority some comfort, it is worth being aware of some of the more common grounds of challenge so that steps can be taken to minimise the risk of these arising.
Read moreEBA encourages banks to pool their resources for cloud audits
The EBA has set out that banks are no longer required to provide their auditors (or themselves) with an independent right to audit their cloud service providers.
Read moreExemption clauses have teeth ‒ negotiate contracts carefully
The Court of Appeal has recently provided guidance on the application of the contra preferentum rule.
Read moreImpact of the EU’s distribution regime remains unclear
Intermediary market heading for change with Insurance Distribution Directive’s introduction
Read moreRendall - Tribunal reduces penalties imposed for failure to file a partnership return to nil
In Rendall v HMRC [2017] UKFTT 356 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has reduced penalties imposed on partners for failure to file a partnership return on time to nil as the requisite information had already been disclosed to HMRC in the partners' personal self-assessment returns.
Read moreTax update, June 2017
In this update we report on the scope of the Criminal Finances Bill as it receives Royal Assent; HMRC guidance updates for businesses, individuals and agents on how to make disclosures of unpaid tax; and HMRC’s further consultation on Making Tax Digital.
Read moreFCA review of suitability finds big is best
Bigger, restricted firms scored better in the FCA's suitability review and so supervisory focus will be on smaller firms as the FCA plans a follow up review in 2019.
Read moreTager – Application to suspend penalties for failing to comply with information notices rejected
In HMRC v Romie Tager QC the Personal Representative of Osias Tager [2017] UKUT 161 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal (UT) refused an application that it should exercise its discretion under Rule 5(3) of the Tribunal Procedure (Upper Tribunal) Rules 2008 (the Upper Tribunal Rules) and suspend the effect of its decision to impose tax-related penalties for failing to comply with information notices, pending an appeal to the Court of Appeal.
Read more欧州Ｍ＆Ａ最前線 2017年５月
市場とメディアは間もなく実施される英総選挙やトランプ米大統領提訴の可能性、先のサイバー攻撃の話題で持ち切りだが、英国では交渉中のＭ＆Ａ（企業の買収・合併）案件数が増えており、投資継続への意欲も高いように見える。これらの交渉の多くが実現するかは、時が経って初めて分かるだろう。
Read moreA Simple Twist of ATE
This blog considers the pitfalls of over-reliance on ATE cover and suggested solutions.
Read morePart VII transfers – through the FCA's microscope
Draft FCA guidance sheds light on its approach to Part VII insurance business transfers and aims to reduce the time and cost required to undertake a transfer.
Read moreVAT update, May 2017
In this month’s update we report on HMRC’s revised guidance on holding companies’ input VAT recovery, prelaunch trials for the online tribunal appeals service and draft legislation effecting the removal of the “use and enjoyment” rule for the supplies of B2C telecommunication services.
Read morePre-loading the pre-app?
Discussion on the planning pre-app process considering cost and time considerations and the benefits and concerns of going through this initial advice process.
Read moreCustoms and excise quarterly update, May 2017
In this update we report on the launch of the register of approved UK alcohol wholesalers, HMRC’s Customs Information Paper 5 (2017) (CIP 5), which clarifies the correct codes to use when sending free circulation goods to the special territories of the EU, and the new address for HMRC’s National Clearance Hub.
Read moreBCM – Tribunal grants taxpayers' application for closure notices
In BCM Cayman LP and others v HMRC [2017] UKFTT 0226 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) directed HMRC to issue closure notices within specified time periods in respect of its enquiries into certain of the applicants' tax returns, pursuant to section 28B, Taxes Management Act 1970 (TMA) and paragraph 33, Schedule 18, Finance Act 1998 (FA 1998).
Read moreThe 21st Century Silk Road – China's Belt & Road Initiative
China's "One Belt, One Road" has attracted widespread attention in Asia since 2013. But what is it about? What are the opportunities ahead? And what should foreign investors be aware of?
Read moreCourt of Appeal overturns decision on confidentiality in Huntington’s case
The Court of Appeal ruled that clinicians treating a man with Huntington’s Disease (HD) may have owed a duty of care to disclose his condition to his daughter and that the case should be remitted for trial.
Read moreWealth and trusts quarterly digest
Our quarterly digest provides up to date commentary and analysis on key sector developments from our tax, wealth and trusts teams.
Read moreYou can't park there!
A summary of the May 2017 Court of Appeal decision in Khodari relating to whether parking permit restrictions can be secured in agreements made under s106 Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
Read moreABL – Tribunal dismisses HMRC's application to vary direction staying related cases
In ABL (Holding) Ltd and Tanias Properties Ltd v HMRC [2017] UKFTT 220 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) dismissed HMRC's application to vary the FTT's direction staying over 100 related cases until the determination of the lead appellants' appeals by the Upper Tribunal (UT).
Read moreBarton bets big and loses: sanctions, mitigation and next steps
What is the appropriate sanction for breaching the prohibition on betting on football matches, and what effect will mitigating factors have on the sanction?
Read moreRestrictive Covenants: Public Policy v Legal Obligations
A commentary on the recent case of Millgate Developments v Smith concerning the breach of a restrictive covenant.
Read moreConveyancing liability
The perils of reports on title: Orientfield Holdings Limited v Bird & Bird
Read moreFCA examines blockchain technology in financial services in its new discussion paper
FCA discussion paper on distributed ledger technology and blockchain technology
Read moreCorporate crime – the new offence of failure to prevent tax evasion
At the end of April, the Criminal Finances Act 2017 was passed, bringing to life a new raft of measures aimed at increasing state powers to tackle financial crime. The rules are set to come into force in September 2017 and include new powers to obtain information, share knowledge and recover criminal property. Of most relevance to the professional community is the new power to prosecute corporate bodies whose agents or employees fail to prevent the facilitation of tax evasion carried out by another person, including customers and suppliers.
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