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Product liability and safety legislative refurb
The current legislation governing product safety is the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD), but its shortcomings, especially on tech, are evident.On 13 December 2024 the EU will be replacing the GPSD with the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), and the latest King’s Speech indicated it will be replaced in the UK by a Product Safety and Metrology Bill.Separately, EU Member States are rolling out a revised Product Liability Directive (PLD) which captures the provision of software, digital services and online marketplaces.
Read moreVehicle Finance claims drive forward with a key Court of Appeal Judgment – but what are the implications?
A Court of Appeal judgment exploring the payment of commissions in the vehicle finance industry has been handed down by the Court of Appeal, finding in favour of the claimants and ordering repayment of the commission plus interest to the claimants. This decision comes amid the backdrop of the hotly discussed FCA investigation into vehicle finance complaints involving discretionary commission arrangements ("DCA") and a number of complaints sat at FOS and before the County Courts. We explore the key takeaways from the judgment.
Read moreTax Bites – November 2024
Welcome to the latest edition of RPC's Tax Bites – providing monthly bite-sized updates from the tax world.
Read moreThe new Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Bill: where are we with legislation governing lithium-ion battery safety?
The new Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Bill underwent its first reading on 6 September 2024. We explain the aims of the bill and consider how it fits with the proposed Product Safety and Metrology Bill.
Read moreThe EU Compliance headache you don't know you have? A priority primer on the European Accessibility Act
It is now less than a year until the EU Accessibility Act (EAA) comes into force, which will require businesses to ensure a range of products (eg smartphones and computers) and services (eg e-commerce services, consumer banking services, and ebooks) are accessible for persons with disabilities.
Read moreAutumn Budget 2024: summary of implications for businesses and individuals
Adam Craggs explores the key implications of the Autumn Budget 2024 for businesses and individuals.
Read moreTribunal allows taxpayer's appeal against information notice
In Sangha v HMRC [2024] UKFTT 00564 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) allowed, in part, Mr Sangha's appeal against HMRC's information notice issued under paragraph 1, Schedule 36, Finance Act 2008 as the information was not 'reasonably required' or in his 'possession or power'.
Read moreLawyers Covered - October 2024
It can be tough for busy lawyers to find enough time to service clients, make it safely through the regulation obstacle course, win new work and keep up-to-date with developments, but we've got you covered! Welcome to the October edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we highlight the last month's key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.
Read moreClientEarth challenges claims made by BlackRock in its sustainable funds
Not only are regulators clamping down on greenwashing but, as previously highlighted, ClientEarth, a non-profit international environmental law organisation, also has this issue squarely in its sights.
Read moreSeeing the wood for the trees: preparing for new deforestation due diligence rules in the UK and EU
Read moreHMRC's DOTAS application struck out
In HMRC v Elite Management Consultancy Ltd (in administration) and Adam Bale [2024] UKFTT 00567 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) confirmed that HMRC's DOTAS application was automatically struck out when it failed to serve an authorities bundle on time in breach of an 'unless' order issued by the FTT.
Read moreTaxing Matters: Crystal ball gazing with Jasprit Singh
In this episode, Alexis Armitage, RPC's Taxing Matters podcast host and Senior Associate in our Tax Disputes and Investigations team, is joined by colleague and fellow Senior Associate, Jasprit Singh. Join them as they gaze into their crystal ball and predict what could be on the horizon for taxpayers under the new Labour government.
Read moreCall of duty - FCA takes on Premium Finance
The FCA has published a market study inviting discussion on premium finance. At the same time, the Government has announced a plan to assemble a new cross-government taskforce on motor insurance. This will focus on ensuring customers are being treated fairly (both by being offered affordable premiums and an appropriate level of cover) and equally (regardless of demographics, geographies and communities).
Read moreTribunal confirms that trading had commenced for the purposes of Entrepreneur's Relief
In allowing the taxpayer's appeal, the First-tier Tribunal determined that an LLP had commenced trading for the purposes of Entrepreneur's Relief.
Read more(Blue)crest of a wave – case law on the need for a legal liability under a single firm redress scheme
In a decision that will cause consternation for FCA regulated entities and their insurers alike, the Court of Appeal (COA) has overturned the Upper Tribunal (UT's) decision in The Financial Conduct Authority v Bluecrest Capital Management (UK) LLP. The UT's decision had reinforced the need for a legal liability to be established before redress was payable under a single-firm redress scheme. The COA has comprehensively overturned the UT's ruling, casting the position into doubt. Given the increased need for firms to consider whether foreseeable harm has been suffered (and to look to rectify things if it has) following the introduction of the Consumer Duty, this could have far reaching consequences.
Read moreTribunal confirms principal private residence relief available where development began before sale of land
In the recent Nunn case, the First-tier Tax Tribunal allowed the taxpayer's claim for principal private residence relief, where development on land began before its sale.
Read moreLitigation funder's ATE policy was not sufficient to avoid security for costs order
In Asertis v Lewis Barry Bloch [2024] EWHC 2393 (Ch), a litigation funder has been ordered to pay security for costs into court due to concerns it would not be able to meet an adverse costs order, and that its After-The-Event insurance policy would not meet such an order.
Read moreFCA portfolio letter highlights FCA priorities for the next 2 years for the financial advice sector
Yesterday the FCA issued a portfolio letter outlining its priorities for the next 2 years for the finance advice and investment intermediary market. Those priorities are - reduce and prevent serious harm, monitor and test higher industry standards under the consumer duty and enable more consumers to pursue their financial objectives through the advice guidance boundary review. Highlights include (1) retirement income advice, ongoing advice services and "polluter pays" are specifically referred to when it comes to reducing and preventing serious harm and (2) continued focus on the expectations around the consumer duty. The letter also confirms that we can expect a further update from the FCA on its review of the retirement income advice market in the first quarter of 2025 and an update on ongoing advice services later this year – we wait to see if this means the FCA puts pressure on firms in relation to any regulatory exercises.
Read moreEffective case management before the Tax Tribunal
Adam Craggs and Daniel Williams consider the various stages involved in a tax appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber).
Read moreUpcoming changes financial professionals need to be aware of
There are changes in the air which will affect accountants, financial advisers and other professionals in the financial services industry, and the advice they provide. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced a consultation on a new regulatory regime for retail investors. At the same time, the government is planning a crackdown on tax avoidance.
Read moreTax Bites – October 2024
Welcome to the latest edition of RPC's Tax Bites – providing monthly bite-sized updates from the tax world.
Read moreGrowth vs. client care: SRA’s warning on mergers and the risk to public trust
We consider the key takeaways from the SRA's warning notice to firms growing by merger, which urges firms to keep client interests central to their decision-making processes.
Read moreLawyers Covered - September 2024
It can be tough for busy lawyers to find enough time to service clients, make it safely through the regulation obstacle course, win new work and keep up-to-date with developments, but we've got you covered! Welcome to the August edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we highlight the last month's key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.
Read moreTribunal allows taxpayer's appeal and confirms that non-residential SDLT rates applied
In Anne-Marie Hurst v HMRC [2024] UKFTT 00540 (TC), the First-tier Tax Tribunal allowed the taxpayer's appeal against HMRC's closure notice, in which HMRC concluded that the residential rate of SDLT was due on the purchase of a property because the sellers had used it as a 'hotel, inn or similar establishment' (HISE).
Read moreFinancial Crime Time - Your update from RPC: 2024 Q3
Welcome to the latest edition of our round-up of news making the headlines in the world of financial crime and compliance. Our aim is to give you an easily digestible, bite-sized overview of issues that are of interest and which may affect your business.
Read moreTPR issues compliance and enforcement policy for pensions dashboard
On 5 September 2024, the Pensions Regulator (TPR) introduced its new compliance and enforcement policy for the pensions dashboard. Accompanying this announcement was a blog post titled "Act now on pensions dashboards so we don’t have to", which serves as a reminder about the importance of timely compliance.
Read moreFirst conviction under section 2 CJA 1987 overturned – RPC Analysis
On 16 September 2024, the first conviction for failure to comply with a notice to provide documents or information required by the Serious Fraud Office ("SFO") was overturned by Judge Nicholas Rimmer at Southwark Crown Court. Although this case was highly fact specific, it may result in a less enthusiastic approach towards pursuing such convictions in the future.
Read moreThe Price and Value Outcome – the FCA publishes its year one insights
The Consumer Duty was introduced at the end of July 2023 and has applied to closed products from the end of July 2024. One of the cornerstones of the Consumer Duty is the price and value outcome. The FCA defines the price and value outcome as a requirement on firms to make sure the price customers pay is reasonable compared to the benefits they receive. The FCA has published its insights from the first year on the implementation of the outcome and its supervisory activity in relation to cash savings, guaranteed asset protection (or GAP insurance) and platform cash.
Read moreHMRC's offshore information gathering powers
This blog considers HMRC's information gathering powers and, in particular, their application to High Net Worth individuals.
Read moreTaxing Matters: Taxation of agents' fees in the football industry
In this episode, Alexis Armitage, RPC's Taxing Matters host and Senior Associate in our Tax Disputes and Investigations team, is joined by colleague and Partner, Michelle Sloane, to discuss the latest issues surrounding the taxation of agents' fees in the football industry.
Read moreLitigation funder wins nearly £1m in D&O claim
Manolete Partners Plc, an insolvency litigation finance company, has successfully claimed against the former director of Just Recruit Group Ltd (Just Recruit) and awarded £918,590. The Insolvency and Companies Court of the High Court found that the director of Just Recruit, Norman Freed, had breached his directorial duties to the Company during the business's financial collapse.
Read moreTribunal awards costs against HMRC due to its unreasonable conduct
In Witton v HMRC [2024] UKFTT 489 (TC) (TCC), the First-tier Tribunal allowed HMRC's applications to amend its list of documents and to admit further evidence, and refused to disbar them from proceedings, but nonetheless awarded the taxpayer his costs due to HMRC's unreasonable behaviour.
Read moreUncertainty around the mandatory reimbursement cap for APP frauds – a new headache for FI firms and their insurers?
New regulations coming on 7 October 2024 will force payment firms to reimburse victims of authorised push payment (APP) fraud up to a set limit. On 4 September 2024, the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) announced a consultation proposing to set this limit at £85,000, vastly reduced from the previously proposed £415,000 cap. This is a potential headache for insurers as the level of the cap will impact assessment of risk and apportionment of liability between sending and receiving payment firms – and the industry will only have 7 days to prepare.
Read morePrincipals and their Appointed Representatives – are principals meeting their supervision obligations? Maybe
The FCA has published its findings into how principals are doing when it comes to the new FCA rules (effective from 8 December 2022) for overseeing/supervising appointed representatives (ARs). The findings paint a mixed picture and will be relevant to those in the FCA regulated market involved with networks which means not just advice firms but also brokers (mortgage brokers and insurance brokers) that operate network structures.
Read moreUse the (en)force(ment) - FCA enforcement data shows a sharp increase in s.166 reviews
The FCA has published its annual report and accounts for the year 2023 / 2024. This is a voluminous document running to 170 pages. For the purposes of this blog, we're focussing on some interesting data nestled in an appendix concerning the use of s.166 of FSMA.
Read moreRegulatory Radar: quick takes - September 2024
Welcome to the September 2024 of our bi-monthly Regulatory Radar: quick takes, which pulls together the latest developments from across the UK's regulators.
Read moreTribunal allows taxpayer's post-cessation trade relief claim as enquiry was out of time
In the recent Dennison case, the FTT allowed the taxpayer's post-cessation trade relief claim as HMRC's enquiry was opened out of time.
Read moreBHS directors ordered to pay over £100m in respect of trading misfeasance redress
On 19 August 2024, the High Court handed down its quantum decision in Wright v Chappell [2024] EWHC 2166 (Ch), which for the first time sets out the method for quantifying loss relating to "trading misfeasance" claims.
Read moreFCA market study into protection product commissions
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced a market study into the commission structure associated with protection products. It aims to assess whether the commissions paid to advisors for recommending such products deliver value for money and ensure positive outcomes for consumers. The study will be launched later this year.
Read moreTax Bites – September 2024
Welcome to the latest edition of RPC's Tax Bites – providing monthly bite-sized updates from the tax world.
Read morePensions Ombudsman publishes corporate plan 2024/25
The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) has recently released its Corporate Plan for 2024/25 which sets out key priorities aimed at addressing the increasing demand for its services and the challenges that come with it.
Read moreLawyers Covered - August 2024
It can be tough for busy lawyers to find enough time to service clients, make it safely through the regulation obstacle course, win new work and keep up-to-date with developments, but we've got you covered! Welcome to the August edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we highlight the last month's key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.
Read moreTribunal allows taxpayer's appeal in part in case concerning deliberate and/or careless errors
In Shaun Harte v HMRC [2024] UKFTT 00493 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal reduced HMRC's assessments to income tax, penalties and VAT. It also considered HMRC's application of the 'presumption of continuity' in relation to deliberate and/or careless errors.
Read moreRICS disciplinary process: an overview for surveyors
Download our complete guide to the procedure involved in a disciplinary investigation against a chartered surveyor.
Read moreGovernment Details Scope for 'Phase One' of Pensions Review
The Government has published its 'terms of reference' for phase one of its wide-ranging review into the UK pensions industry. This development is relevant to those working in the pension industry (actuaries, lawyers, administrators and investment consultants) as well as pension scheme trustees and, with that, their PTL insurers.
Read moreContentious Tax August 2024
Contentious Tax Quarterly Review - Adam Craggs and Harry Smith examine developments in relation to open justice, access to pleadings and the taxation of carried interest.
Read moreSRA introduces new rules to restrict fees recoverable in financial mis-selling claims
The SRA has taken steps to bring law firms and CMCs into line through the introduction of a cap on fees solicitors are able to recover from their clients when acting on their behalf in relation to financial mis-selling claims.
Read moreUpper Tribunal confirms that anti-abuse provision in UK/Ireland double tax treaty did not apply
In HMRC v Burlington Loan Management DAC [2024] UKUT 152 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal held that the anti-abuse rule in the UK/Ireland double tax treaty did not apply to deny the withholding exemption, when a Cayman Islands company assigned the benefit of a debt to an Irish company.
Read moreNavigating the advice-guidance boundary continued...
In December 2023, the FCA released a Policy Paper (the Paper) which included its proposals for closing the gap between 'holistic advice' and 'information and guidance'. The intention was to "smooth the cliff edge between holistic advice and information and guidance to create a continuum of support." Recent reports indicate that the FCA will shortly be announcing its plan to address this gap.
Read moreFurther welcome news from the FCA – this time on co-manufacturing
Following on from our earlier blog, our review of the FCA's 'Discussion Paper' (DP24/1) continues, this time considering the rules relating to co-manufacturers of insurance products.
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