Freedom of the City for Blackburne House

ONE of Liverpool's most inspirational centres for women will be granted the Freedom of the City at a special ceremony next week.  Celebrating over 30 years supporting women, on Monday, 8 June 2015, Blackburne House will be admitted to Liverpool City Council's Freedom Roll in recognition of the wide range educational opportunities offered to women, of all ages, cultures and backgrounds in Liverpool and the surrounding areas. Lord Mayor of Liverpool Councillor Tony Concepcion said:- "I am delighted to be awarding Freedom of the City to Blackburne House. For over 30 years now they have helped, encouraged and trained women from across the City and beyond, but above all they have offered support, advice and friendship to make a difference in the lives of others.  They are a most worthy recipient of this award and I wish them many more years helping those who need it most."

Claire Dove OBE DL Chief Executive Officer, Blackburne House said:- "We are thrilled to accept this honour from our great City and dedicate it to all the Women of Liverpool and beyond who have inspired us over these 30 years.  When we 1st started out we believed this small project would be a minor intervention to assist women into the workplace. As we all know it became much more. This was largely thanks to the women who came onto our programmes and many for the 1st time in their lives, feeling successful and ambitious about their future.  We will continue to give our best to the women of our great City and beyond as there is still work to be done."

Founded in 1983, Blackburne House is now a successful and vibrant organisation that has grown from a centre of education for women to being one of the United Kingdom's leading and pioneering social enterprises. The work undertaken enables individuals, organisations and businesses to positively impact on the local economy.

Just days left for solicitors to settle Tax bills

UK Solicitors have a week to pay the Tax they owe on undeclared income or face hefty penalties, warned the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Solicitors have until 9 June 2015 to tell HMRC about any undeclared income and pay the Tax they owe. By taking this chance to come forward voluntarily, any penalties will be lower than if HMRC has to investigate their tax affairs. Anyone who does not pay what they owe faces a penalty of up to 100% of the Tax due, or more if it is offshore income. Caroline Addison, Head of Campaigns, HMRC, said:- "This disclosure scheme gives firms a fair chance to come forward and avoid tough penalties, but we will not hesitate to investigate and penalise those still evading Tax they owe once this opportunity passes. We don't think it’s too much to ask that solicitors abide by the law and pay the Tax they owe." The Solicitors’ Tax Campaign, launched in December last year, is the latest voluntary disclosure opportunity for specific groups of taxpayers to get their Tax affairs in order on the best available terms. Previous campaigns have included medical professionals, plumbers, tutors and coaches, electricians, online traders, landlords and health professionals. These campaigns have raised over £1 billion from voluntary disclosures and HMRC follow ups. These campaigns offer businesses of all sizes the ideal opportunity to come forward voluntarily, pay the Tax they owe and avoid a HMRC investigation. For more information, plus help and support on the campaign, solicitors can phone a dedicated helpline on:- 0300 013 4749 or visit:- Gov.UKk/Solicitors-Tax-Campaign.

Sandhu off-licence closed due to "anti-social behaviour"

THE popular shop was closed by a court order this week by South Sefton Magistrates Court under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. The issue that lead to its close is said to have arisen following complaints being sent in by residents and visitors regarding drunk and disorderly behaviour on Lord Street. The shop will be allowed to open from the 5 September according to the notice placed on the property, located on Nevill Street..