HMRC and the UK Government continue to publish updates on COVID-19 related issues. When using a form or publication going forward or contacting HMRC, check you are using the most recent version or up to date way of contact which may have changed due to the pandemic.

• HMRC’s appearance in front of the Public Accounts Committee is available to view online;
• The House of Commons Library has published a briefing paper ‘FAQs: Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme’;
• The end date for the VAT temporary zero-rate on PPE for supplies has been extended from 31 July 2020 to 31 October 2020; and
• The UK Government has announced a £1.57 billion investment to protect the UK’s cultural, heritage and arts sector with £33 million earmarked for Northern Ireland;
• HMRC has recently updated its guidance for temporary changes to the conditional exemption tax incentive scheme due to the pandemic;
• A series of letters between the CEO of HMRC and the Chancellor in respect of the newly announced job retention bonus have been published;
• Some more details have been made available on the job retention bonus. As the employer, you or your clients will be able to claim the bonus after you have filed PAYE information for Ja‌nu‌ar‌y 2021, and the bonus will be paid from Fe‌br‌ua‌ry 2021. More detailed guidance, including how employers can claim the bonus online will be available by the end of September; and
• The House of Commons Justice Committee has published its report on the impacts of the pandemic on the legal professions in England and Wales. The report expresses concern that without further support many publicly-funded legal service providers may collapse, reducing access to justice.