The government has confirmed it will review approved mileage rates for business users ahead of a future Budget. The announcement comes after more than a decade without change – despite rising fuel, insurance and maintenance costs leaving many workers covering the gap themselves. Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, highlighted the issue earlier this… Read more…

Vaping-related businesses and supply chains need to register now for Vaping Products Duty (VPD) and the Vaping Duty Stamps (VDS) Scheme, says HMRC. Businesses need to provide the required information now to register for HMRC approval and begin the process of applying for duty stamps. From 1 October 2026, this information will be used to… Read more…

Small businesses to be backed by new, stronger measures to tackle late payments, the government has announced. The Small Business Commissioner will be given sweeping new powers to investigate poor payment practices, adjudicate payment disputes, and fine the worst offenders – with fines worth tens of millions for firms that persistently pay late or fail… Read more…

The government’s new procurement rules that target opportunities for smaller businesses offer hope to SMEs, according to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). Government departments have, for the first time, set individual spending targets for SMEs to deliver over £7.4 billion a year to small businesses by 2028. Departments have for the first time, individually… Read more…

HMRC is warning pensioners to be on high alert for scams as the recovery of Winter Fuel Payments begins this month. Almost two million people are expected to repay their winter 2025 payment due to their annual income being more than £35,000. HMRC saw more than 25,000 Winter Fuel Payment scam referrals over the last… Read more…

Higher energy prices due to the conflict in the Middle East are set to make the median working-age British household £480 worse off this year, according to the Resolution Foundation. The think tank based its estimates on market-forecasts for the rise in energy prices consistent with market pricing after the announcement of a ceasefire. For… Read more…

HMRC has published the latest issue of the Employer Bulletin. The April issue has information on various topics, including: Reminder of key dates and processes for reporting benefits in kind (BiKs). Real Time Information submission problems – Incorrect handling of Payroll ID. Removal of the tax relief for non-reimbursed homeworking expenses. The official rate of… Read more…

HMRC’s large business directorate has doubled the amount of tax revenue it collects, according to the National Audit Office (NAO). A hands-on approach to tax compliance for large businesses yielded £15.8 billion during 2024/25. That is double what the unit collected in 2021/22. The large business directorate has a return on investment of £95 for… Read more…