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04/06/2014
Queen's Speech Unveils Government's Agenda
Economic recovery was at the centre of the Queen's speech, where she spoke of avoiding deficit and increasing the financial security of the people, while also including others themes like a house building drive, pensions reform and a commitment to reform the EU.
Eleven bills were included in the speech:
• A bill implementing reforms to annuities allowing people to draw their retirement income in one go if they choose
• A separate bill to allow employees to pay into collective pension funds shared with other workers
• A new state-funded childcare subsidy worth up to £2,000 a year, replacing the existing employer-funded scheme
• A bill offering extra legal protection for people being sued for negligence if they acted heroically or in the public interest
• Curbs on "excessive redundancy payments" for highly-paid public servants
• Tougher penalties for employers who fail to pay the minimum wage and a crackdown on the abuse of zero hours contracts
• Plans for a 5p charge for plastic bags in England
• A bill allowing fracking firms to run shale gas pipelines deep under private land without getting prior permission
• Tougher powers to seize the assets of crime bosses, tackle cyber crime and make possession of written paedophilia a criminal offence
• A Modern Slavery Bill with tougher penalties for human trafficking
• Help for pub landlords including a statutory code and a body to adjudicate disputes
• Giving voters the power to trigger by-elections where MPs have committed serious wrong-doing
(CVS)
Eleven bills were included in the speech:
• A bill implementing reforms to annuities allowing people to draw their retirement income in one go if they choose
• A separate bill to allow employees to pay into collective pension funds shared with other workers
• A new state-funded childcare subsidy worth up to £2,000 a year, replacing the existing employer-funded scheme
• A bill offering extra legal protection for people being sued for negligence if they acted heroically or in the public interest
• Curbs on "excessive redundancy payments" for highly-paid public servants
• Tougher penalties for employers who fail to pay the minimum wage and a crackdown on the abuse of zero hours contracts
• Plans for a 5p charge for plastic bags in England
• A bill allowing fracking firms to run shale gas pipelines deep under private land without getting prior permission
• Tougher powers to seize the assets of crime bosses, tackle cyber crime and make possession of written paedophilia a criminal offence
• A Modern Slavery Bill with tougher penalties for human trafficking
• Help for pub landlords including a statutory code and a body to adjudicate disputes
• Giving voters the power to trigger by-elections where MPs have committed serious wrong-doing
(CVS)
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09 July 2014
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HM Revenue and Customs are preparing to target some of the biggest names in sport, entertainment and business, with the introduction of new powers in a matter of weeks. The new Finance Bill will give HMRC the power to demand payment of disputed tax bills, meaning those in dispute would have to pay upfront.
HMRC To Get New Powers To Demand Upfront Payments For Disputed Tax
HM Revenue and Customs are preparing to target some of the biggest names in sport, entertainment and business, with the introduction of new powers in a matter of weeks. The new Finance Bill will give HMRC the power to demand payment of disputed tax bills, meaning those in dispute would have to pay upfront.
15 August 2012
Young Holidaymakers Urged To Be More Sensible Following Number Of Deaths
With three deaths and 10 serious injuries from falls from balconies while on holiday, young British holidaymakers are being urged to act and drink more sensibly.
Young Holidaymakers Urged To Be More Sensible Following Number Of Deaths
With three deaths and 10 serious injuries from falls from balconies while on holiday, young British holidaymakers are being urged to act and drink more sensibly.
02 June 2008
Deduct £2bn Off Energy Bills By Insulating Every Home
The Local Government Association (LGA) said the Government's announcement on fuel poverty was a move in the right direction but is calling for energy companies to make the same contribution as householders to pay for a national programme, to ensure that every home in the country is insulated.
Deduct £2bn Off Energy Bills By Insulating Every Home
The Local Government Association (LGA) said the Government's announcement on fuel poverty was a move in the right direction but is calling for energy companies to make the same contribution as householders to pay for a national programme, to ensure that every home in the country is insulated.
21 March 2007
Council tax report recommends changes
People living in the most expensive properties in England should pay more council tax, a report has recommended.
Council tax report recommends changes
People living in the most expensive properties in England should pay more council tax, a report has recommended.
06 April 2005
Watchdog lodges energy bill super complaint
Gas and electricity consumer watchdog Energywatch has announced that it is to lodge a 'super complaint' with regulator Ofcom over fuel bills, which, it says, is causing a "myriad of problems" for consumers. Energywatch said that 40,000 people had contacted their helpline, complaining about problems arising from their fuel bills.
Watchdog lodges energy bill super complaint
Gas and electricity consumer watchdog Energywatch has announced that it is to lodge a 'super complaint' with regulator Ofcom over fuel bills, which, it says, is causing a "myriad of problems" for consumers. Energywatch said that 40,000 people had contacted their helpline, complaining about problems arising from their fuel bills.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
