07/09/2026
HMRC Launches Loan Charge Settlement Scheme Offering Major Bill Reductions
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has opened a new Loan Charge Settlement Scheme and is inviting thousands of individuals and employers with outstanding liabilities to come forward. The department says most participants could see their bills cut by at least 50%, with around a third potentially paying nothing. Those who choose not to settle will be required to pay the full Loan Charge amount.
Eligible customers are being contacted directly and urged to respond promptly to their caseworker. Recognising the complexity of these arrangements, HMRC has assigned each customer a named contact to help work through the details and options available.
Jonathan Smith, Director of Counter Avoidance at HMRC, said: “We want to help people draw a line under their loan charge liability and reach a resolution - but that can only happen if you talk to us.
“Some people will see their bills reduced to zero and that is why we need them to engage with us. Our message is simple: get in touch so we can help you resolve this.
“You don’t have to wait for your letter from us - you can contact your named caseworker at any time to discuss the settlement opportunity.”
Under the scheme, HMRC will apply a £5,000 reduction to every customer’s bill, remove late payment interest, and can reduce liabilities by up to £10,000 for each year a customer used an avoidance arrangement. Overall, the settlement can lower what a customer owes by as much as £70,000.
Flexible payment options are available. Anyone settling under the new terms can choose to spread payments over five years, with longer plans possible depending on individual circumstances.
The new legislation underpinning the scheme took effect on 5 August 2026. HMRC has begun issuing settlement offers, with a statutory minimum of 90 days for acceptance; most customers will be allowed longer to decide.
Further guidance on the Loan Charge Settlement Scheme, along with a video explainer and details of the Independent Loan Charge Review, is available on
GOV.UK. Customers do not need to wait for a letter to make contact and can speak to their named caseworker at any time.
Eligible customers are being contacted directly and urged to respond promptly to their caseworker. Recognising the complexity of these arrangements, HMRC has assigned each customer a named contact to help work through the details and options available.
Jonathan Smith, Director of Counter Avoidance at HMRC, said: “We want to help people draw a line under their loan charge liability and reach a resolution - but that can only happen if you talk to us.
“Some people will see their bills reduced to zero and that is why we need them to engage with us. Our message is simple: get in touch so we can help you resolve this.
Under the scheme, HMRC will apply a £5,000 reduction to every customer’s bill, remove late payment interest, and can reduce liabilities by up to £10,000 for each year a customer used an avoidance arrangement. Overall, the settlement can lower what a customer owes by as much as £70,000.
Flexible payment options are available. Anyone settling under the new terms can choose to spread payments over five years, with longer plans possible depending on individual circumstances.
The new legislation underpinning the scheme took effect on 5 August 2026. HMRC has begun issuing settlement offers, with a statutory minimum of 90 days for acceptance; most customers will be allowed longer to decide.
Further guidance on the Loan Charge Settlement Scheme, along with a video explainer and details of the Independent Loan Charge Review, is available on
GOV.UK. Customers do not need to wait for a letter to make contact and can speak to their named caseworker at any time.
Latest Northern Ireland News
07 September 2026
Sinn Féin To Press Stormont Reforms In Talks With British Secretary Of State
Sinn Féin will meet the British Secretary of State, Chris Bryant, on proposals to reform Stormont as the Assembly returns from its summer recess. The party's chief whip, South Down MLA Sinéad Ennis, said no party should be able to block the formation of an Executive or the election of a Speaker.
Sinn Féin To Press Stormont Reforms In Talks With British Secretary Of State
Sinn Féin will meet the British Secretary of State, Chris Bryant, on proposals to reform Stormont as the Assembly returns from its summer recess. The party's chief whip, South Down MLA Sinéad Ennis, said no party should be able to block the formation of an Executive or the election of a Speaker.
07 September 2026
NI Water Education Team Tours Schools As New Term Begins
As pupils return to the classroom, NI Water's education team is back out across Northern Ireland, bringing its Wonderful World of Water activities to schools for a busy new term.
NI Water Education Team Tours Schools As New Term Begins
As pupils return to the classroom, NI Water's education team is back out across Northern Ireland, bringing its Wonderful World of Water activities to schools for a busy new term.
07 September 2026
UUP Leader Says Pressure For Border Poll Must End
Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA has urged an end to the push for a border poll and reiterated the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement's legal test for triggering a referendum, after the Prime Minister said a vote is "not on the table.
UUP Leader Says Pressure For Border Poll Must End
Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA has urged an end to the push for a border poll and reiterated the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement's legal test for triggering a referendum, after the Prime Minister said a vote is "not on the table.
07 September 2026
Belfast Harbour Metal Blaze Declared Out After Two-Day Operation
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service has confirmed a major blaze at a metal recycling facility on East Twin Road, Belfast Harbour, has been brought to an end following a sustained response that began last Wednesday afternoon.
Belfast Harbour Metal Blaze Declared Out After Two-Day Operation
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service has confirmed a major blaze at a metal recycling facility on East Twin Road, Belfast Harbour, has been brought to an end following a sustained response that began last Wednesday afternoon.
07 September 2026
PSNI And Partners Launch Rural Crime Week NI 2026
The Police Service of Northern Ireland will spotlight its ongoing efforts to prevent and tackle offending in rural areas during Rural Crime Week NI 2026, running from 7 to 11 September.
PSNI And Partners Launch Rural Crime Week NI 2026
The Police Service of Northern Ireland will spotlight its ongoing efforts to prevent and tackle offending in rural areas during Rural Crime Week NI 2026, running from 7 to 11 September.
07 September 2026
Police Appeal After 'Brutal' Gortin Assault Leaves Man Seriously Injured
Detectives have appealed for information after a man was seriously assaulted in Gortin on Sunday 6 September. Detective Inspector Winters, from Omagh Criminal Investigations Department, stated: "It was reported that the man, aged in his 30s, was found lying on the Culvacullion Road at around 9.35pm.
Police Appeal After 'Brutal' Gortin Assault Leaves Man Seriously Injured
Detectives have appealed for information after a man was seriously assaulted in Gortin on Sunday 6 September. Detective Inspector Winters, from Omagh Criminal Investigations Department, stated: "It was reported that the man, aged in his 30s, was found lying on the Culvacullion Road at around 9.35pm.
07 September 2026
£380,000 A5 Resurfacing In Omagh Underway
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced a £380,000 carriageway resurfacing scheme on the A5 in Omagh. The project, which covers Great Northern Road, the Derry Road Roundabout and Beltany Road, is scheduled to start on Monday 7 September 2026.
£380,000 A5 Resurfacing In Omagh Underway
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced a £380,000 carriageway resurfacing scheme on the A5 in Omagh. The project, which covers Great Northern Road, the Derry Road Roundabout and Beltany Road, is scheduled to start on Monday 7 September 2026.
07 September 2026
McGuigan: Hospital Changes Must Improve Outcomes For Patients
Sinn Féin's health spokesperson and North Antrim MLA Philip McGuigan has urged the Health Minister to ensure greater transparency, rigorous scrutiny and genuine public participation in decisions on hospital services, stressing that reforms must be evidence-led and focused on patients.
McGuigan: Hospital Changes Must Improve Outcomes For Patients
Sinn Féin's health spokesperson and North Antrim MLA Philip McGuigan has urged the Health Minister to ensure greater transparency, rigorous scrutiny and genuine public participation in decisions on hospital services, stressing that reforms must be evidence-led and focused on patients.
07 September 2026
HMRC Launches Loan Charge Settlement Scheme Offering Major Bill Reductions
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has opened a new Loan Charge Settlement Scheme and is inviting thousands of individuals and employers with outstanding liabilities to come forward. The department says most participants could see their bills cut by at least 50%, with around a third potentially paying nothing.
HMRC Launches Loan Charge Settlement Scheme Offering Major Bill Reductions
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has opened a new Loan Charge Settlement Scheme and is inviting thousands of individuals and employers with outstanding liabilities to come forward. The department says most participants could see their bills cut by at least 50%, with around a third potentially paying nothing.
04 September 2026
Newry Regeneration Accelerates As Landmark Projects Enter Delivery
Newry is entering a major new phase of renewal as public and private investment gathers pace and several long-anticipated schemes move decisively into delivery. Planning permission has been granted for Newry City Park, a key step for the transformational project.
Newry Regeneration Accelerates As Landmark Projects Enter Delivery
Newry is entering a major new phase of renewal as public and private investment gathers pace and several long-anticipated schemes move decisively into delivery. Planning permission has been granted for Newry City Park, a key step for the transformational project.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry bright start then cloud and showers soon reaching western counties spreading across to Belfast and the east by the afternoon, some heavy with thunder possible. Brightening up again in the afternoon with sunny intervals and more scattered showers. Maximum temperature 18 °C.Tonight:There will be a mixture of clear spells and a few showers. Overnight some more frequent showers reaching the north coast. A windy night. Minimum temperature 11 °C.