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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Energy bills could have been cut further and sooner, according to new research. A report by Which? revealed the failure of retail prices to align with wholesale costs has cost consumers £2.9bn over the last year, an equivalent of £145 per household on standard energy tariffs. The recent cuts in Big Six standard gas tariffs of up to 5.
Energy Prices Could Have Been Reduced Sooner - Which?
Energy bills could have been cut further and sooner, according to new research. A report by Which? revealed the failure of retail prices to align with wholesale costs has cost consumers £2.9bn over the last year, an equivalent of £145 per household on standard energy tariffs. The recent cuts in Big Six standard gas tariffs of up to 5.
09 July 2014
HMRC To Get New Powers To Demand Upfront Payments For Disputed Tax
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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.
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Young Holidaymakers Urged To Be More Sensible Following Number Of Deaths
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Young Holidaymakers Urged To Be More Sensible Following Number Of Deaths
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23 February 2012
Labour Slams British Gas For "Enjoying Huge Profits"
Labour's Shadow Secretary has slammed Centrica, owners of British Gas, after reporting profits of £2.415 billion. Caroline Flint MP said people will be shocked when millions of families are struggling with their energy bills while British Gas enjoys huge profits.
Labour Slams British Gas For "Enjoying Huge Profits"
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16 November 2011
Risk Of 'Fuel Debts' Spark Campaign
A campaign to make energy customers aware of their rights has been launched as this winter brings risks of "fuel debt". Consumer groups have come together to advise people how to deal with fuel debt, and what to do if they can't meet their bills.
Risk Of 'Fuel Debts' Spark Campaign
A campaign to make energy customers aware of their rights has been launched as this winter brings risks of "fuel debt". Consumer groups have come together to advise people how to deal with fuel debt, and what to do if they can't meet their bills.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Quite cloudy with some rain to start. Variable amounts of cloud and sunny spells during the day along with scattered slow moving showers, occasionally heavy and thundery. Maximum temperature 20 °C.Tonight:Partly cloudy this evening with any remaining heavy showers soon clearing away. The rest of the night will then be largely cloudy with the risk of a few showers later. Minimum temperature 12 °C.