|
Concern at impact of planned
allowances on Self Assessment
THE Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG)
is urging HMRC to be ready to publicise new income allowances when they come
into force to prevent confusion as to who is supposed to register for
Self Assessment this time next year (2018).
By law, people have to notify HMRC of a new source of income, such as receipts
from a trade or business, or rental income, by 5 October, in the Tax year
following that in which the new source began.
According to LITRG, things could get very confusing for those who start work or
rent property in the 2017/18 Tax year due to the likely introduction of the new
trading and property allowances. From 6 April 2017 those with rental and/or
trading income (or miscellaneous income) below ₤1,000 will no longer have to
tell HMRC about the income by the 5 October 2018 deadline or pay Tax on it. If
the trading or property income exceeds the allowance, they will need to notify
HMRC and can choose whether to calculate their Taxable profit in the usual way
or by simply deducting the ₤1,000 allowance.
LITRG is concerned that, without appropriate publicity or guidance, some
Taxpayers may register for Self-Assessment and complete a Tax return when they
do not need to do so. Others with trading and/or property income above ₤1,000
may not realise that they need to register and complete a Self Assessment Tax
return, which could subsequently result in significant penalties for late
notification and filing.
LITRG Chair Anne Fairpo said:- "We call on HMRC to be ready to make
available very clear guidance on these changes and to publicise them
sufficiently. Ideally, there should be worked examples and also an online
calculator. It is also crucial that such information is available in hard copy
format as well as online to help the substantial numbers of Taxpayers who are
either digitally excluded or find it difficult to engage with Government
online."
LITRG is also concerned that these new allowances will cause further confusion
for Tax Credit and other benefit claimants. For example, this income will have
to be declared for Universal Credit claims, even if it is fully covered by the
new Tax allowances. The group recommends that all benefits claimants who can use
these new allowances check whether they still need to declare this income as
part of their claim.
Residents invited to join Good
Neighbour scheme
WIRRAL Council and Involve Northwest
have teamed up to deliver a new pilot scheme to promote what it means to be a
good neighbour.
Residents are being asked to show how proud they are of where
they live by putting a sticker in their window saying that they are a good
neighbour. It is hoped that this simple act might start conversations will bring
people together, celebrate good neighbours and serve as a symbol of community
spirit.
The scheme has been designed to nurture and celebrate community spirit, or at
the very least encourage neighbours to say:- 'hello' to each other.
Feeling
connected to our neighbours and our communities can help to increase our health
and wellbeing and reduces social isolation.
The Good Neighbours scheme is being delivered by Involve Northwest's Community
Connectors who work in:- Prenton, Noctorum, Oxton, Birkenhead and Tranmere, St
James, Claughton, Bidston Village, Beechwood, Woodchurch, Overchurch, Upton,
Eastham, Bromborough, New Ferry, Rock Ferry, Wallasey, Seacombe, Liscard, New
Brighton, Leasowe, Moreton and Saughall Massie. Organisers are inviting people
living in those areas to take part.
Involve Northwest said:- "We are proud to be launching the Good Neighbour
scheme as part of the Connect Us project. It is in perfect synergy with the
aspirations of the project and it is a pleasure to be introducing yet more
positivity to our day to day interactions within communities. In times where
there can be strains and challenges for communities, it is important to not
forget how much good and strength there is within our neighbourhoods. Since the
Project started in February we have been overwhelmed by the passion, talents and
community spirit we have encountered. The Good Neighbour scheme is a simple way
of celebrating this. Look out for your local Community Connector knocking on
your door, you are guaranteed to be greeted with a smile!"
Cllr George Davies, Chair of Birkenhead Constituency Committee added:- "Social isolation can be a real issue for some people across Wirral and the Good
Neighbour scheme will help local people get involved. We hope that local
residents will get on board, improve community spirit and help isolated
neighbours feel they live in a friendly and supportive neighbourhood."
Residents who would like to get involved won't be expected to give any extra
time if they don't want to and it doesn't mean you'll be responsible for any of
your neighbours. However, the more people who display a good neighbour sticker
in their window, the greater the sense of living in a friendly and inclusive
community.
For more information or to get involved in the Good Neighbour Scheme please call:-
0151 644 4516. Alternatively,
email
them for more information. Alternately you can also visit the Involve Northwest
website.
|
 |
Hospital League of Friends transforms
children's waiting area
A children's waiting area at Ormskirk
Hospital has received a makeover thanks to the League of Friends.
The waiting area within the antenatal and gynecology clinic has new
child friendly furniture, flooring and a mural painted by local artist Gary
Scarisbrick. The area allows children to be entertained while their mothers or
carers wait for their appointment.
Robin Rootes is a midwife in the clinic and helped design the mural featured on
the wall. She said:- "The new children's area has had a complete revamp
and it's made such a difference to the atmosphere in the clinic. The children
now have somewhere inviting to play while they wait, which helps their mum or
carer relax.
We couldn't have done it without the support of the League of Friends." Now the area is complete the team are looking to get some new toys for the
children to play with as the current ones are a little worn and tired. Any
donations of new toys would be gratefully received.
Arriva Merseyside up for top City Bus
operator award
ARRIVA staff in Merseyside are
celebrating after the company was hailed as 1 of the country's top operators
as the finalists were announced at the prestigious UK Bus Awards.
The shortlist was unveiled at a special event at the Museum of Transport in
Greater Manchester, on 12 October 2017 and the award winners will be
announced in a glittering ceremony to be held, at The Troxy, in the heart of
London, on 21 November 2017.
Arriva Merseyside, which operates across 6 garages covering Liverpool City
centre, Knowsley, Wirral, Sefton and St Helens, has been nominated in the:-
'Top City Bus Operator' category. The company provides more than 80 million passenger
journeys a year and has a fleet of over 600 buses; including hybrid and fully
electric powered vehicles.
The judges heard that customers are at the heart of everything Arriva Merseyside
does, with regular service reviews taking place, and customer surveys and
road shows offering the opportunity to consult with passengers to ensure the
company provides responsive, reliable and efficient services.
They were told that the reliability of services has been significantly improved
by the introduction of on bus radios for drivers and depots, providing immediate
notice of diversions and delays.
Arriva Merseyside was also praised for its social media work and community
action, receiving awards such as:- 'Best Viral Campaign' for its support
for the Hillsborough victims with the:- 'Remembering the 96' message
displayed on all of bus service destination blinds.
Arriva Merseyside Area Managing Director Howard Farrall said:- "Arriva
Merseyside is a company with heart and passion, which puts people; both
employees and customers; at the heart of all we do.
A close knit management team inspires confidence and good morale at each
individual site and everyone in the Arriva Merseyside team pulls in the same
direction. There is a real sense of pride in our work with service and customer
care being paramount.
We are often used as a trial area for initiatives which are then rolled out
across the company. Innovation and forward thinking are high on our list of
priorities and we embrace change positively. There is a can do attitude, even in
challenging times."
The UK Bus Awards, one of the major events in the bus industry calendar, feature
categories especially for the people who work in the business, as well as for
high quality bus operations and a range of technical and professional skills. In
2017 there were more than 250 nominations for the awards.
Mark Yexley, Chairman for the UK Bus Awards, said:- "We have some truly
inspirational people working in our industry, leading innovation and outstanding
improvements in the customer experience. They show unrivalled commitment in
delivering a 1st class service day in, day out. We're very proud to be able to
recognise and reward these people and initiatives that really make a difference.
Our Finalists' Announcement is a very special day for all those involved, it's
been great to visit the North West, and what a great setting to be able to
celebrate the people, projects and organisations that will shape the industry of
the future."
For more information about services and timetables, either download the free
Arriva Bus App via the Apple Store or Google Play, or visit:-
ArrivaBus.Co.UK/North-West.
|
