Also in the news...
Foreign travel advice Indonesia
FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Indonesia.
Foreign travel advice Romania
Warnings and insurance Still current at: 24 April 2024 Updated: 23 April 2024 Latest update: Information related to drug offences and Romanian music festivals (under 'Laws and cultural differences' subheading on the 'Safety and security' page).
Foreign travel advice The Gambia
Warnings and insurance Still current at: 23 April 2024 Updated: 22 April 2024 Latest update: Ferry services between Banjul and Barra have been suspended until further notice; The Islamic Summit of the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) will be held in Banjul on 4-5 May; road closures and delays at Banjul International Airport ('Safety and security' page).
Foreign travel advice China
Warnings and insurance Still current at: 23 April 2024 Updated: 22 April 2024 Latest update: Updated information on flooding (‘Safety and security’ page).
Guidance Living in South Korea
Information for British citizens moving to or living in South Korea, including guidance on residency, healthcare, driving and more.
Defined Benefit Pensions: VAT recovery changes
HMRC has announced changes to the VAT recovery position of employers who pay Value Added Tax (VAT) on services relating to the administration and management of a defined benefit pension plan.
This represents a major change for the UK VAT treatment of pension fund managers’ costs.
In certain circumstances, employers can recover the costs associated with the setting up and day-to-day management of the pension fund; however the opportunity does not extend to include the recovery of VAT on ‘investment activity costs’.
The prospective changes are likely to represent an additional cost to employers in running their pension funds, as well as an opportunity for employers to consider their current pension arrangements - particularly as most UK pensions operate under a trust.
Of course, the majority of UK pension plans are 'defined contribution' arrangements (rather than 'defined benefit'), so this change is only likely to affect larger employers with historic plans.