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Amendment to regulations for filing VAT returns
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Following a tribunal ruling, changes have been made to regulations for filing VAT returns.
Changes made following tribunal ruling over online filing

HM Revenue & Customs have confirmed a change to regulations for the filing of VAT returns after a tribunal ruled that UK VAT law failed to take into account the difficulties some individuals have in filing returns online.

From April 2012 the vast majority of businesses were legally mandated to file their VAT returns online. While many found it easy to make the transition from paper filing, HMRC was contacted by a number of individuals to explain their difficulties in filing in returns online. The businesses were advised of digital assistance options to meet the legal obligation, including that they should use public libraries, the computers of friends or family, use the services of an agent or, if none of these were appropriate to use the existing filing by telephone service.

However in response to appeals against the requirement to file online, the First-tier tribunal ruled that UK VAT law failed to take account of an individual's ability to comply on account of age, disability, computer literacy and remoteness of location and, as such, was a breach of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

The judge also held that HMRC could not rely on the fact that telephone filing had been made available to certain businesses to remedy the breach as it had not been legislated for or properly publicised.

Following formal consultation Regulation 25A of VAT Regulations 1995 has been amended to enable HMRC to make a Commissioners' direction approving telephone filing as an alternative method for filing for businesses that satisfy HMRC that it is it not practicable to use the online service and to provide an exemption for businesses that satisfy HMRC that it is not reasonably practicable for them to use the online service so that such businesses can file on paper. 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.