HLAS

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have plans to use a callers voice as their password in an effort to speed up phone calls. In systems that are being used by banks, a customer’s voice recording is turned into encrypted biometric data, which is then used when they call to clear security checks. HMRC are planning to trial a system like this. HMRC has come under heavy fire for the poor handling of its customer service phone lines. According to statistics, for January through November last year, the phone line went dead on almost 44,000 callers who had been waiting 70 [...]

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill was introduced to Parliament last week. The legislation is being heralded as bringing transformative reforms to the UK building sector that will boost homebuilding and remove obstacles to needed infrastructure. Here is an outline of some of the measures introduced by the legislation. Planning committees A national scheme of delegation will specify which types of applications are to be determined by officers and which by planning committees. There will be limits on the size of planning committees and planning committee members will have mandatory training. Councils will also be able to set their own planning [...]

Success in business is never guaranteed, even for brands that dominate their industry for decades. A recent episode of the BBC Radio 4 show, Toast, explored five once-thriving companies: Little Chef, Vine, Mothercare, Green Shield Stamps and Safeway. Each of these businesses were very successful for a period of time, but for one reason or another ultimately failed. Their downfall may have been caused by a number of contributing reasons including: Failing to adapt to market trends or changing customer priorities. Not innovating, which led to obsolescence. Innovating but failing to find a sustainable revenue model. Their stories offer valuable [...]

Last week, the tax minister responsible for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), James Murray, delivered a speech marking the 20th anniversary of HMRC. Previously, the UK’s tax authority was known as Inland Revenue. During the speech he highlighted some simplifications that are planned. Of particular interest was the announcement of plans to increase the Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA) reporting threshold for gross income from £1,000 to £3,000. Who would benefit from this change? This threshold would apply to anyone with a self-employed trading income, however it can be particularly useful to those with a side hustle. A side hustle [...]

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has released new guidance to help organisations strengthen their network security. With networks playing a crucial role in business operations, ensuring they are secure and resilient is more important than ever. The guidance is divided into eight key sections: Identifying your assets Understanding the threat Restricting access Designing network architecture Protecting data in transit Securing network perimeters Updating systems Monitoring networks The guidance provides an overview in each area as well as further reading that can help you ensure that your network is as secure as possible. See: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/network-security-fundamentals

A tragic incident at the Tamworth Snowdome has highlighted the critical need for businesses to properly assess and manage health and safety risks. The incident Twelve-year-old Louis Watkiss tragically lost his life during a tobogganing birthday party at the indoor skiing venue on 24 September 2021. While descending the main ski slope, his toboggan collided with a staff member conducting a slope walk. The impact caused the staff member to fall backward onto Louis, resulting in fatal head injuries. Following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Snowdome Limited was found to have failed in its duty to [...]

A new deal for GPs has been agreed between the government and the British Medical Association (BMA). Proposed reforms that were accepted by the BMA include an overall funding uplift of £889 million for the 2025/26 GMS contract. This represents a 7.2% boost to the contract, which is higher than the increase to the NHS budget as a whole. However, the BMA’s acceptance of the funding uplift was given on the proviso that the government commits to renegotiating a completely new national contract within this parliament. They are looking for confirmation of this in writing by mid March 2025. The [...]

The Future of Roads Minister, Lillian Greenwood, has confirmed that the plug-in van grant will be extended for another year, providing continued support for businesses investing in electric vehicles. This grant allows businesses to receive:Up to £2,500 for an eligible small van (up to 2.5 tonnes)Up to £5,000 for an eligible larger van (up to 4.25 tonnes) The discount is applied directly through the dealer or manufacturer, meaning buyers do not need to apply for the grant separately. In addition, the government is scrapping the extra training requirements for zero-emission vans, ensuring that electric vehicle users are not subject to [...]

The Public Procurement Act 2023, originally set for implementation on 28 October 2024, has now officially come into force. This legislation introduces new rules designed to make it easier for smaller businesses to compete for and win public sector contracts. Key changes under the Act The Act establishes clear rules that all public bodies must follow when buying goods and services. One of the most significant updates is the introduction of a Central Digital Platform. This is now available and allows businesses to register their details and access all potential bidding opportunities in one place. An end to late payments [...]

Recent reports indicate that the Chancellor has drawn up draft plans for spending cuts to welfare and other government departments. At the time of the 2024 Autumn Budget, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) stated there was a £9.9 billion buffer within the Chancellor’s self-imposed borrowing rules. However, the OBR’s spring forecast is expected to reveal that this buffer has disappeared due to recent events, including trade tariffs, the war in Ukraine, rising inflation, and increased borrowing costs. One possible alternative could be for the Chancellor to adjust her borrowing rules. However, this would risk damaging credibility with financial markets, [...]