Search results
3756 results ordered by
Multiple Dwellings Relief - a problem for tax advisers?
Recent cases before the tax tribunal have highlighted an issue for tax advisers involved with multiple dwellings relief – is the issue of multiple dwellings relief about to impact professionals outside of the legal industry?
Read moreSummary judgment against persons unknown – a tale of two crypto judgments
Two recent crypto judgements in the High Court, Mooij v Persons Unknown (February 2024) and Boonyaem v Persons Unknown (December 2023) reached different conclusions regarding whether a summary judgment could be granted against unidentified (and unidentifiable) fraudsters, with Mooji deciding 'yes' and Boonyaem deciding 'no'.
Read moreHigher stakes cybercrime – prepare now
Cybercrime continues to increase and shows no signs of stopping.
Read moreUK listing regime reforms: impact on standard listed issuers
Following the FCA's May 2023 consultation on major reforms to streamline and enhance the UK listing regime and its December 2023 publication of detailed proposals, the FCA has now published a consolidated draft UK Listing Rules instrument (UKLR) to replace the current Listing Rules, together with proposed changes to its guidance.
Read moreDigital nomads: the world is your oyster?
Imagine seeing the world while you work, without having to take time off. That's quite the dream, isn't it?
Read moreThe Pensions Regulator's Corporate Plan – takeaways for those involved with pension trustees, pension administrators and actuaries
The Pensions Regulator (TPR) published its corporate plan for 2024-2027 last week. The corporate plan sets out the challenges to the pensions landscape and TPR's priorities for the next three years. The corporate plan notes TPR's objectives – to protect savers' money, enhance the pension system and innovate in savers' interests. It is against these objectives and a changing pensions landscape that TPR looks at its focus for the next three years – and what it says will be interesting for professional indemnity insurers and pension trustee liability insurers alike.
Read moreTribunal allows taxpayer's appeal in R&D case against penalty assessment for careless inaccuracy
In H & H Contract Scaffolding Ltd v HMRC [2024] UKFTT 00151 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) allowed the taxpayer's appeal against a penalty assessment as the inaccuracy in the tax return was not careless.
Read moreFood and beverage 2050: The transition to net zero
Following publication in October 2023 of its final Disclosure Framework for private sector entities to transition to a net zero economy, the TPT published draft Food & Beverage Sector Guidance in November 2023.
Read moreContentious tax quarterly: Spring review
The last few months have seen a flurry of activity in relation to the DOTAS regime, with HMRC seeking to register arrangements retrospectively and apply substantial penalties for failure to register. Woes continue for those unfortunate enough to have R&D claims under enquiry, and the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 gives HMRC a significant new tool in relation to suspected criminal activity by bodies corporate and partnerships.
Read moreUK CAT Collective Proceedings Spring 2024 Update
Last year, we reported on what was then a fledgling collective proceedings regime in the UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT). Our 2023 update is here. Since then, the competition collective proceedings regime has continued to grow at pace, notwithstanding the seismic Supreme Court decision in PACCAR affecting the underlying funding arrangements which underpin the entire collective proceedings landscape.
Read moreVirtual advertising: a glimpse into the future
Virtual advertising and experiences are transforming the way real world property can be used by turning it into a canvas for digital content.
Read moreGovernment "crackdown" on "gagging clauses" is not new, but an important reminder
The use of confidentiality clauses and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) by employers, whether as standalone agreements, or forming terms within employment contracts, settlement agreements, or COT3 agreements, has been subject to considerable scrutiny in the UK in recent years - despite existing professional obligations on UK regulated lawyers not to advance all-encompassing, unlimited NDAs.
Read moreTaxpayer's appeal against penalties under the Follower Notice regime allowed
In Baker v HMRC [2024] UKFTT 126 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal allowed the taxpayer's appeal and cancelled follower notice penalties that were issued as a result of the taxpayer's alleged failure to take 'corrective action'.
Read moreSupreme Court dismisses Amazon's appeal in landmark decision on consumer targeting
In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court has dismissed Amazon's appeal against a Court of Appeal (CoA) decision, which found that the sale of branded goods on Amazon's US site, amazon.com, infringed UK and EU trade marks by virtue of the fact that UK consumers had been targeted.
Read moreBenchmarkalikes – Aldi's Taurus cloudy cider lemon leaves Thatchers Cider with a headache
In a recently dismissed claim for trade mark infringement and passing off brought by Thatchers Cider we see so called lookalike or "copycat" products continue to provide a major headache for brands. It's the latest in a line of cases showing that the answer to issues arising from supermarkets' "inspired" alternatives, increasingly is rarely found in trade mark or passing off rights.
Read moreAre you being smart with your connectable products?
The growth of "smart" products that can connect to the internet has grown significantly over the past 10 years and the UK government estimate that there could be 50 million connectable products worldwide by 2030, and on average there are currently 9 in each UK household.
Read moreCourt considers requirements for a condition precedent to litigation in Local Authority application
In Lancashire Schools SPC Phase 2 Ltd v Lendlease Construction (Europe) Ltd [2024] EWHC 37 (TCC) a local authority failed in its application to have the claim against it stayed or struck out on the basis of non-compliance with a contractual dispute resolution mechanism.
Read moreThe rise of recommerce
Recommerce (which includes reselling, renting, refilling, repairing or reusing goods) is already an extremely valuable business model, estimated by Barclays to be worth almost £7bn in the UK alone and expected by Visa to increase to £82bn by 2030. This growth – particularly in respect of resale – is widely regarded as being driven by Gen Z consumers, over two thirds of whom now prefer to buy second-hand over new goods, in part, due to sustainability concerns.
Read moreDerivative actions – The Court of Appeal considers when permission will be granted to shareholders of non-UK claims to pursue a derivative claim
In Durnont Enterprises Ltd v Fazita Investment Ltd [2024] EWCA Civ 299, the Court of Appeal recently dismissed the appeal of a shareholder of a Cypriot-based company for permission to continue a derivative action against various defendants.
Read moreTax Tribunal upholds taxpayer's appeal in respect of remote gaming duty
In allowing the taxpayer's appeal, the First-tier Tribunal determined that cashback payments constituted prizes won for the purposes of section 157 of the Finance Act 2014 and Remote Gaming Duty.
Read moreThe beginning of the end for UK resident "non-doms"?
George Smith specialises in defending claims against financial professionals, including accountants, independent financial advisors, brokers and pensions professionals. Ben Simmonds is an Associate in the Professional & Financial Risks team at RPC, specialising in defending claims and complaints for professionals within the finance sector.
Read moreSupreme Court confirms no knowing receipt claim where equitable interest is destroyed: Byers v Saudi National Bank
In Byers v Saudi National Bank, the Supreme Court affirmed the findings of the lower courts by holding that a claim for knowing receipt cannot be made if a claimant’s equitable interest in the property in question has been extinguished by the time of the defendant’s knowing receipt of the property.
Read moreFOS Plans and Budget for 2024/25
We take a look at The Financial Ombudsman Service's strategic plans and budget for the upcoming year ahead.
Read moreCostly objection by HMRC
FTT allows costs application where HMRC acted unreasonably in opposing specific disclosure application.
Read moreFCA vehicle finance review - the road trip continues
The FCA has provided a brief update on its ongoing review of vehicle finance arrangements. Difficulties with data gathering have been noted and firms are reminded of the need to maintain adequate financial resources. A judicial review application is also revving its engine!
Read moreThe status of parallel trade in the European Union and the UK
The following article is a collaboration between Jani Ihalainen of RPC and PDGB (Virginie Coursière-Pluntz and Benjamin Jacob), RPC's partner firm in France through its TerraLex network.
Read moreFOS' plans to charge CMCs – an update (or lack of)
We reported back in February that the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) had announced plans to begin charging case management companies (CMCs) a fee for bringing a complaint. The consultation closed in January, and we've been eagerly awaiting the feedback. Following the publication of FOS' 2024/25 Plan and Budget, it seems there may be another opportunity for feedback to be provided.
Read moreWhat does it meme? The FCA's published guidance on 'finfluencers'
The FCA has published their guidance on financial promotions on social media, highlighting how firms and individuals can ensure their marketing strategy remains compliant with existing obligations.
Read moreUpper Tribunal upholds penalty imposed for failing to take 'corrective action' in response to a follower notice
Upper Tribunal dismisses taxpayer’s appeal against a penalty issued under the follower notice regime for failing to take corrective action, as the final judicial ruling specified in the follower notice was relevant to the arrangements the taxpayer had implemented.
Read moreGreen claims: key takeaways from the CMA's first investigation
After much anticipation, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has finally published the results of its investigation into green claims made by ASOS, Boohoo and George at Asda. All three retailers have signed undertakings committing to change the way they promote their green credentials and to set up robust internal processes to ensure future green claims are not misleading.
Read moreTribunal allows appeals against discovery assessments
In Charles Collier and CB Collier Partnership v HMRC [2023] UKFTT 00993 (TC), the First-tier Tax Tribunal (FTT) found that the assessed loss of tax was not brought about deliberately by the taxpayers and had occurred due to carelessness. The 6-year time limit therefore applied to HMRC making assessments and amendments and, under that time limit, HMRC were out of time. The taxpayers' appeals were allowed.
Read moreA call for evidence: simplification of the Tax Administration Framework
As part of its ongoing review of the Tax Administration Framework, the government has issued a further call for evidence in relation to HMRC's enquiry and assessment powers, penalties and safeguards (the Call for Evidence). This follows two previous consultation publications and works towards the government's wider objective "to simplify and modernise the tax system, tackle non-compliance, make the tax system fairer for taxpayers and to make the customs system better for traders."
Read moreReversal of recent changes to the Financial Promotions Order
A number of the provisions of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 came into force on 4 March 2024. This Act is intended to give UK Companies House greater powers to prevent UK companies from being used for economic crimes.
Read moreFCA Business Plan 2024/25: Regulator sets out its plan of action for the next 12 months
The FCA has published its Business Plan for 2024/25, outlining its objectives over the next 12 months to deliver what it promised in its 3-year strategy, launched in April 2022. The FCA describes an "ambitious programme" of work ahead, seeking to achieve better outcomes for consumers and markets.
Read moreTaxpayer's appeal succeeds as HMRC failed to open enquiry in time
In Monks v HMRC [2023] UKFTT 853 (TC) the First-tier Tribunal concluded that HMRC had not opened a valid enquiry because the taxpayer didn't receive HMRC's letter until after the relevant time limit had expired.
Read moreNavigating the impact of AI on work: challenges, opportunities, and the human touch
The fear of job losses because of technology and automation, including artificial intelligence, has been with us since the 1960s. For some time, academics have predicted the decline of routine, rules-based and process-driven roles.
Read moreSome rumblings but little thunder – the FCA's Thematic Review of retirement income advice
The FCA has published the long-awaited result of its Thematic Review into retirement income advice. Predictably, this highlights some areas for improvement but (dare we say) the overall tone is perhaps positive.
Read moreMerchants Beat Venice: Court of Appeal finds that local authority of Venice did have capacity to enter into Interest Rate Swaps
In a significant judgment in Banca Intesa Sanpaolo and Dexia Credit Local SA v Comune di Venezia [2023] EWCA Civ 1482, the Court of Appeal overturned the findings of the High Court
Read moreSupreme Court provides clarity on Transfer of Assets Abroad legislation
In allowing the taxpayers' appeal, the Supreme Court determined that shareholders were not "transferors" for the purposes of the Transfer of Assets Abroad regime in the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988.
Read moreGinfringement: Success for M&S in the Court of Appeal in registered design spat with Aldi
M&S and Aldi's gin bottle battle over design rights has reached a conclusion (for now) as the Court of Appeal has unanimously upheld the IPEC's decision that Aldi's bottle infringed M&S' design.
Read moreAsbestos update: "implausible" deniability
The recent case of Evans v Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, follows the trend of low exposure asbestos cases being defendable, when many feared that the 2018 case Bussey v Anglia Heating Ltd made that near on impossible.
Read moreProvisions of Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 now in force
A number of the provisions of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 came into force on 4 March 2024. This Act is intended to give UK Companies House greater powers to prevent UK companies from being used for economic crimes.
Read moreFOS cap increases to £430,000 and £195,000 for complaints referred on or after 1 April 2024
In a press release yesterday, FOS announced increases to the applicable FOS cap that will impact complaints referred to FOS on or after 1 April 2024. £430,000 will apply to complaints about acts or omissions by firms on or after 1 April 2019 where the complaint is referred on or after 1 April 2024 and £195,000 will apply to complaints about acts or omissions by firms on or after 1 April 2019 where the complaint is referred on or after 1 April 2024.
Read moreThe UK and EU propose bans on 'forever chemicals' (PFAs) – Great for the environment but what about the medical industry?
'Forever chemicals', which are used in countless industries worldwide, have been linked to a range of health issues.
Read moreRise with RPC: Tips for developing your insurance network
In the aftermath of the "Rise with RPC" event, we're immensely grateful to everyone who joined us, contributing to the dynamic exchange of ideas on "Building your insurance network." Here’s a distilled version of the top tips shared, each designed to be an actionable takeaway to apply in your professional journey.
Read moreWhen breach gets you nowhere – Ickenham Travel Group Ltd v Tiffin Green Ltd
In a recent judgement the High Court reiterated the principle that breach of duty alone is not sufficient to succeed in a claim of professional negligence against an auditor. This highlights the importance of evidencing actual loss and a chain of causation.
Read moreSpring Budget 2024 – Main tax announcements
This blog discusses some of the key tax changes announced in last week's Spring Budget.
Read moreFCA consultation proposes changes to enforcement investigations
The FCA has recently released a consultation paper proposing changes to how it carries out enforcement investigations. We consider the key proposals and how they may impact upon both firms and individuals under the FCA's regulation.
Read moreThe results are in: Physician and Anaesthetic Associates pose "a significant risk to patient safety" according to latest BMA opinion poll
A BMA survey completed by over 18,000 UK doctors has flagged significant concerns regarding the way Physician Associates (PAs) and Anaesthetic Associates (AAs) work within the NHS. The news comes as the Government implements plans to roll out a rapid medical associate recruitment plan and regulate associates through the General Medical Council (GMC), the doctors' regulator. In this blog we look at the reasons behind the backlash and how this may impact our healthcare and insurer clients.
Read moreHome run! - Tribunal finds that taxpayer who bought and sold three properties in quick succession was not trading
Taxpayer purchasing, renovating and selling properties allowed private residence relief on capital gain and held not to be trading as property developer for tax purposes.
Read more