Sports facilities to open this month
In a surprising move, the government has given permission for sports facilities in England to begin reopening. Initial projections had suggested that gyms would be closed until at least the Autumn when it was hoped that the virus is more completely under control.
Outdoor pools were given permission
Holiday package refunds
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched a COVID-19 taskforce in March 2020 to identify any commercial practices that adversely affect consumers and to take enforcement action if a firm breaches consumer protection law and fails to respond to warnings.
The CMA currently has particular
Reminder of businesses opening since 4 July 2020
A reminder that since 4 July 2020, many business sectors have been given permission to reopen in England. The businesses are expected to follow COVID-19 secure guidelines.
The categories of businesses that have been allowed to reopen include:
hotels, hostels, bed and breakfast accommodation,
Reminder of businesses not opening 4 July 2020
There are business sectors that have not yet been given permission to reopen in England. There has been no indication given as to when these businesses will be able to reopen.
Government guidance lists the following businesses that currently need to remain closed, as government assessment suggest
Finance Bill 2020 progress
The government’s Finance Bill 2020 (formally known as Finance Bill 2019-21) has now completed its passage through the House of Commons and the 1st reading at the House of Lords took place on 2 July 2020. This stage is a formality that signals the start of the Bill’s journey through the Lords. The
Financial help for debt advisers
The government has announced that an extra £37.8 million will be made available to support debt advice providers during 2020-21. The distribution of the money will be overseen by the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS). MaPS will set out the process for allocating funds in the coming weeks to
Vehicle MOT dates
The government has announced that mandatory MOT tests for car, motorcycle and van owners in England, Scotland and Wales are to be reintroduced from 1 August 2020. This means that all drivers whose vehicle is due for an MOT test from 1 August will be required to get a test certificate to continue
No extension to Brexit Withdrawal Agreement
The UK has confirmed that it will neither accept nor seek any extension to the Brexit transition period which expires on 31 December 2020. The EU has formally accepted this position. With just over six months to go before the end of the transition period there remains a lot of work to be done if
Agent update June 2020
HMRC has released the latest bi-monthly issue of the ‘Agent Update’ publication which includes summaries of recent changes and updates that have been announced. The document which is aimed at taxation and accountancy practitioners includes links to more detailed information on each of the topics