Feature Articles

In this article, a former Head with considerable experience of inspections looks at the likely impact of the ISI’s new inspection regime on schools. He suggests that the changes are nothing about which they need be concerned and that, in several ways, the new procedures actually make things easier.

A major IFAC consultation on financial reporting has seen scant comment from investors despite widespread dissatisfaction with audit quality, says Robin Litjens

IFRS expert David Cairns provides a round-up of the key changes in international accounting standards and developments at the International Accounting Standards Board

Chris Wales has a rude awakening to the New Year when he is disturbed by some perceptive commentators

The case of Turbine Motor Works Limited (TC1543) is an interesting case study in a situation where it may have appeared, initially that the taxpayer changed its intended use of a cost, but it was held that it had always had an intention which happened to be inconsistent with its original behaviour in claiming VAT on the cost.

The challenges facing HR professionals in the public sector have, perhaps, never been greater as organisations continue their drive for reduced costs and increased efficiencies. The desire to protect front-line services has focused attention on workforce numbers and costs, along with other savings strategies in support functions and areas such as property and ICT. The scale and pace of change, combined with an increasingly difficult employee relations climate resulting from the continuing pay freeze, job insecurity and proposed pension changes, requires innovative and imaginative thinking as organisations seek to manage more immediate imperatives, while planning for the longer term.

Briefing you on all the latest technical accounting news

In the case of HM Revenue & Customs v PA Holdings Limited, PA wished to pay its employees discretionary annual bonuses. It adopted an arrangement whereby the employees were awarded shares in a special purpose company and received dividends. The effect, so PA contended, was that the cash the employees received was dividend income rather than employment income and should be taxed as such. Additionally, PA contended that there was no liability to make National Insurance Contributions (NICs) in respect of these payments.

The British Safety Council level 3 certificate in occupational safety and health is now available for delivery by employers and private training providers.