Biogen to pay almost £10,000 after stream polluted
The Environment Agency said the pollution was avoidable and it should have been notified sooner so that the incident could have been better managed. A large quantity of digestate from an anaerobic digester overflowed when a pump was left on overnight at the company’s Clapham Biogas Plant on 19 November 2010. A member of Biogen […]
Westcountry’s farmers affected by interest rate swap sales
Stephens Scown LLP, which has offices in Exeter, Truro and St Austell, says it is already acting for one farming partnership in Cornwall to secure substantial damages from the mis-selling of the complex financial derivative. Many small businesses have entered into interest rate swap agreements in recent years when looking to secure a conventional […]
Agri legal experts appointed to YFC Wales
A leading Welsh law firm has been appointed to provide legal services to Wales’ Young Farmers Clubs (YFC). JCP Solicitors’ specialist Rural Practice team will offer legal advice to the organisation which supports and enhances the opportunities for Wales YFC members living throughout Wales. JCP Solicitors who have expert knowledge in the areas of agriculture […]
Good News for Holiday Cottage Owners, say Saffery Champness
Tribunal rules against HMRC on Business Property Relief from Inheritance Tax Up until now HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) were of the view that Business Property Relief from Inheritance Tax was only available on a holiday letting property if either the owner himself or through an agent, was substantially involved with the holidaymakers […]
RPA action results in 3k fine for owner of Halifax shop
An investigation by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has led a 3,100 fine for the owner of convenience store in the Calderdale area of Halifax for displaying and offering for sale fresh fruit and vegetables that did not meet European Community (EC) rules on quality and labelling. Mr Mohammed Ilyas, proprietor of the […]
Competition law guidance for the farming sector
The OFT has updated its competition law guidance for the farming sector. The guidance takes the form of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and were first published in 2004, and have been updated in consultation with the farming sector to reflect recent developments in competition law. The FAQs provide farm businesses and their advisors […]
Farmers lose out in new definition of Agricultural Property Relief following HMRC tribunal victory
Farmers across the country will have to reconsider their old age living arrangements after an Upper Tribunal appeal hearing victory for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Reversing a previous success for the taxpayer in respect of Agricultural Property Relief (APR) from inheritance tax, a new legal line has been drawn on when accommodation […]
Agricultural firms warned over incorrect HMRC annual return fines
Leading North West accountants Mitchell Charlesworth is warning small firms to be wary of a slew of inaccurate fines being issued in the last month by HM Revenue & Customs for late submissions of end-of year tax returns. Mitchell Charlesworth issued its plea after the case of Hok Ltd v HMR&C, which saw the firm’s […]
European Commission Abandons British Egg Producers
John Dalli, the European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, during an appearance before the European Parliaments Agriculture and Rural Development Committee yesterday (5th October), has made it clear that the Commission is abandoning British egg producers by making no serious attempt to ensure that the battery cage ban will be properly enforced or that […]
