Weekly News – J&P Accountants

17 May 2024
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– Bournemouth to introduce “tourism tax” from July.
– Gang set up 90 “companies” to gain £800,000 through VAT and financial fraud.
– NAO says taxpayers collectively spent 798 years waiting to speak to HMRC.
– Thousands of drivers facing “sunset tax” .


Bournemouth to introduce “tourism tax” from July

Bournemouth has become the first seaside resort to introduce a “tourism tax.”

From July 1st, 73 large hotels will charge £2.40 per room per night for all overnight guests.

For an average family of four, this will add nearly £34 to the cost of a week’s holiday.

The committee claims the fee will be used to create a clean, green, and safe local environment.


Gang set up 90 “companies” to gain £800,000 through VAT and financial fraud

Recently, HMRC reported a case of VAT fraud and warned taxpayers to beware of new scams.

The gang set up a “recruitment company” and stole job applicant information.

They then listed themselves as directors of fake car dealerships without people’s knowledge and applied for VAT refunds.

The gang has all been convicted and sentenced to over 10 years in prison.


NAO says taxpayers collectively spent 798 years waiting to speak to HMRC

A report from the UK’s National Audit Office shows that HMRC’s telephone communication service is below expected standards.

In the last financial year (2022/23), taxpayers waited an average of 23 minutes, compared to 5 minutes five years ago.

In reality, it’s even more difficult to communicate with HMRC advisers, with calls being automatically disconnected.

NAO hopes for a more practical service plan from HMRC to alleviate taxpayer dissatisfaction.


Thousands of drivers facing “sunset tax”

Denbighshire County Council in North Wales has scrapped its free parking policy.

The council plans to introduce a new “sunset tax,” requiring payment for seaside parking after 5 pm.

For residents and visitors to the town, winter parking will cost £1.50 for two hours and £2 for the rest of the time.

Locals claim this is an absurd charging system and refuse to pay the “sunset fee.”