Jim Harra: Last News

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has said it still plans to close its helplines despite a previously announced u-turn.

payments.Six MPs, led by the SNP’s Stewart McDonald, are furious after a series of short-lived payroll outsourcing companies went bust – leaving pub and restaurant staff with no access to furlough cash.In their letter, the MPs claim hundreds of thousands of pounds has been lost by staff.The letter has been sent to bosses at the Blue Dog bar and Ad Lib restaurant, where staff have been left penniless.The scandal is now being probed by senior investigators at HMRC after the tax agency’s permanent secretary Jim Harra became involved.It is believed many millions of pounds are being lost due to payroll outsourcing companies failing to pass on PAYE and National Insurance ­contributions to the taxman.The letter to bosses makes six key allegations

Tax chiefs are looking at 27,000 furlough claims that may have been wrong or fraudulent, it was revealed today.

Billions of pounds could have been paid out in wrong or fraudulent claims for the furlough scheme.The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has supported millions of workers and employers during the coronavirus pandemic.The furlough scheme, which was set up in a bid to protect jobs during the pandemic, will come to an end in October at a cost of more than £34bn to the Treasury.HM Revenue and Customs said last month that it was investigating thousands of reports of furlough fraud following the arrest of a man, the first in connection with an alleged £495,000 fraud of the scheme.Now, HMRC boss Jim Harra has said that the government believes it may have paid out up to £3.5 billion in wrong or fraudulent claims for the furlough scheme.Speaking in

alcohol.It's designed to increase confidence among the public and encourage people to visit restaurateurs, many of whom were badly hit by the coronavirus pandemic, particularly during the lockdown months when much of their business was put on hold.But critics have aimed fire at the interventionist plan and said fast-food outlets serving unhealthy products should have been banned from participating due to fears the subsidised costs could fuel obesity.It also attracted controversy once it emerged that Chancellor Rishi Sunak had to make a ministerial order to enact the policy after HM Revenue and Customs chief executive Jim Harra said there was "uncertainty surrounding the value for money of this proposal".Around 80% of hospitality firms

Martin Lewis's financial advice during the coronavirus pandemic has been vital to many workers needing financial support from their employers and the government.

Martin Lewis was back on television on Thursday night offering financial advice and guidance to viewers on several coronavirus-related topics.

Last month, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the Government will support millions of people who have been put on furlough as a result of coronavirus.

Firms face criminal action if they force staff to keep working while off due to coronavirus, Britain's top tax official warned today.