Tax changes under consideration, according to The Sunday Times of 30 August 2020, include: • increasing corporation tax from 19% to 24% • increasing taxes on dividends • increasing capital gains tax rates to those for income tax. [20.09/28]Read More

Companies House has changed its bank account from 1 September 2020. The government announcement curiously does not say what those details are. Such details will be given in notices to pay. The old bank account will remain open until 28 February 2021. [20.09/2]Read More

On 1 September 2020, the Environment Agency warned individuals and businesses to beware of rubbish dumpers who advertise on Facebook. Many of these “man and van” dumpers either burn or fly-tip the rubbish rather than disposing of it legally. This has become a particular problem in South West England. A rubbish collector needs a waste...Read More

Schools and colleges in England and Wales welcomed back students on 1 September 2020 with social distancing measures in place. Scottish pupils returned in August 2020. [20.09/2]Read More

Employers of all sizes are being encouraged to sign up to the new apprenticeship scheme from 1 September 2020. The government will pay £2,000 for each new apprenticeship aged up to 24, and £1,500 for each apprentice aged 25 or older.Employers who wish to participate can do so by logging on to https://accounts.manage-apprenticeships.service.gov.uk/service/index?_ga=2.118099914.2129567461.1599035405-353064136.1577643755. [20.09/2]Read More

The £2 billion Kickstart scheme began on 2 September 2020. Many companies, including Tesco, have already signed up. Under the scheme universal credit claimants aged between 16 and 24 will be offered six-month placements with their wages paid by the government. This comprises the relevant national minimum wage and national insurance and pension contributions for...Read More

Magistrates’ court lists in England and Wales are published online from 1 September 2020. The lists can be accessed by anyone at https://www.courtserve.net/courtlists/current/magistrates/indexv2magistrates.php [20.09/2]Read More

On 1 September 2020, the Department for International Aid was subsumed into the Foreign Office which is now called the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office. [20.09/26]Read More

On 1 September 2020, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) said that all driving licences that expire between 1 February 2020 and 31 December 2020 will automatically be extended by 11 months. The extension is automatic, so drivers do not have to take any action. The extension includes those who have already applied to...Read More

Australia went into recession at the end of August 2020. Its GDP for the second quarter of 2020 fell 7% from the previous quarter. This is the biggest fall since its records began in 1959. [20.09/26]Read More