Tax costs to UK businesses jumped 27% in the last year to £13.1bn – The CFO
Two-thirds of UK business taxes were introduced in the past decade, costing businesses £13.1bn in the last year, up 27% from the previous year.
public services
John Barnes: Ex-England and Liverpool star banned as company director over unpaid taxes
John Barnes has been banned as a director for three-and-a-half years after his company, John Barnes Media Limited, failed to pay almost £200,000 in tax. The company did not pay any corporation tax and VAT from 2018 to 2020, despite having a turnover of £441,798 during that period. Barnes was the sole director of the company, which offered media representation services. The ban prevents him from being involved in the promotion, formation, or management of a company without court permission.
Guest commentary California needs higher taxes on corporations and the wealthy
President Biden proposed to reverse the 2017 Trump tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans by raising the corporate tax rate, denying tax breaks for corporations whose CEOs earn more than million in annual compensation, and requiring billionaires to pay at least 25 percent of their income in taxes. California faces a billion budget deficit and has a regressive tax system, with the lowest income earners paying the largest share of taxes. State and local governments can take action to ensure the ultra-wealthy and large corporations pay their fair share by ending tax breaks, increasing the corporate tax rate, and implementing a wealth tax on extreme wealth. Governor Newsom opposes the wealth tax, but public pressure is building with a majority of California voters supporting the idea.
Recruitment of 259 new firefighters in final stage
The completion of the recruitment of 259 new firefighters to be added to the existing strength of the Fire Service is in its final stages. The Minister of Justice and Public Order highlighted the efforts being made to strengthen the Fire Service personnel and enhance the state response system. The challenges facing the Fire Service are increasing due to a changing environment, technological advancements, and an increase in disasters. The government is prioritizing the continuous strengthening and upgrading of the Fire Service to improve response rates and citizens’ sense of security. The Minister emphasized the importance of timely preparation and collaboration to prevent major wildfires, urging firefighters to operate at the highest level of readiness.
Health ministry proposes patient advocate institution
The Ministry of Health has submitted a draft law for legal scrutiny to establish the Patient Advocate institution in Cyprus. The Health Minister mentioned that various draft laws concerning rehabilitation centers, university hospitals, paramedics, palliative care services, and more are also in the works and will be submitted to Parliament within 2024.