'LAW WATCH' VIDEO FOR OCTOBER 2026 - PART 2- NOW OUT

I do realise you can have too much of a good thing.  Trouble is a surplus of activity on the legal front has meant producing two videos for the price of one and since the price of one is nothing, it's a win win, at least in theory. Take in part 1 if not already done and then fill your ears with part 2 where we feast on -

• a change in how HM Revenue & Customs names and shames those who don't play the tax game according to the rules;
• trade union access rights to the workplace;
• the probability of new rights coming to cohabitees; and
• what happened to the High Court's Chancery Division (as if you cared).

Just click below. And download the factsheet too.

MAY/JUNE 'LAW WATCH' IS OUT

 In my latest free video, I cover

• why some will remain seated when the judge enters court and without fear of being potted for contempt;
• the charges now being made by the Financial  Ombudsman Service and how small businesses as well as consumers can go to the Ombudsman for help;
• the increased interest and penalties for failing to pay your taxes on time; and
• when your executors cannot agree whether your body should be buried or cremated.

Go on, treat yourself to a click below.

LAW WATCH - FROM STEPHEN GOLD

Will this law never stop? No. And just to prove it, here is another free video. This one is about why you may be claiming too little for personal injury damages, avoiding the 'fixed recoverable costs' regime for civil proceedings kicking off on 01 October 2023 (although note that the regime only applies to personal injury cases where the right of action accrues on or after 01 October 2023) and why the taxman's penalty may not be wholly or partly payable. Click below.

TAXMEN SOON TO GO ON THE PROWL: AVOIDING ENFORCEMENT

The cuddly HM Revenue & Customers have coughed what they intend to do about businesses and the self-employed who are in debt with their tax. You might have thought that they would have sent one of their kindlier looking tax collectors down your chimney with a bouquet of flowers and a blank cheque for you to sign. Not quite. They announced today that they are restarting their debt collection work as we emerge from the pandemic and economic activity resumes but that at all times - and write this down just in case they overflex their muscles in your direction - they will 'take an understanding and supportive approach to dealing with those who have tax debts or are concerned about their ability to pay tax.'

They will discuss affordable options such as a payment plan (they have more than half a million arrangements in place at any one time) or they may be able to offer a short-term deferral. But - and  this sounds a bit ominous- where customers (clients would be nicer) do not respond to any of their communications or refuse to pay when they can afford to do so, they may try to visit them at their home or business address. 'I'm sorry but he's just gone out to have his toenails filed and won't be back until tomorrow. Who shall I say called?'

From September 2021, where customers are unwilling to discuss a payment plan or ignore contact attempts, Revenue & Customs may start the process of using their enforcement powers: bailiff and bankruptcy included.

In the new edition of Breaking Law I look at how to deal with the taxmen, particularly when they overstep the mark. If you are behind with your tax, you may say that you can hardly afford to 'buy that b....y book.' Fair enough but it can be sued as a door stop when not being read: over 750 pages.