Self-catering holiday let operators in Wales can now apply for business rates

Property owners operating self-catering holiday lets in Wales are able to submit applications for business rates classification. The process involves meeting specific criteria and submitting the required form to the relevant Welsh authority. This allows holiday let operators to potentially benefit from business rates treatment rather than council tax banding.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

HMRC publishes August 2026 spending transparency data for transactions exceeding £25,000

HMRC has released its monthly transparency report detailing all departmental expenditure over £25,000 for August 2026. The disclosure covers spending across government operations and procurement activities during this period. This regular monthly publication forms part of HMRC’s commitment to financial transparency and accountability in public spending.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

UK-EU VAT and Tax Recovery Committee publishes meeting records on fraud prevention

HMRC has released transparency data concerning the Trade Specialised Committee on Administrative Co-operation in VAT and Recovery of Taxes and Duties, a joint UK-EU forum established to address VAT fraud and manage tax and duty recovery claims. The published materials include meeting agendas and summaries from this bilateral committee. The committee facilitates administrative cooperation between UK and EU authorities on VAT compliance and recovery procedures affecting businesses and customs professionals engaged in cross-border trade.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

HMRC Releases Software Developer Newsletter on Making Tax Digital for Income Tax

HMRC has published the seventh edition of its correspondence newsletter aimed at software developers working on Making Tax Digital for Income Tax systems. The newsletter provides updates and guidance relevant to developers integrating with HMRC’s digital tax platform for self-assessment purposes. This regular publication helps software providers stay informed of changes and technical requirements affecting their development work.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

HMRC publishes August 2026 spending records for transactions exceeding £500

HMRC has released its monthly transparency data showing all government spending conducted through electronic purchasing card solutions that exceeded £500 during August 2026. This disclosure covers procurement activities across the revenue and customs department and forms part of routine public accountability reporting on public expenditure. The data provides visibility into departmental purchasing patterns and supplier transactions above the specified threshold.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

HMRC releases report on alcohol smuggling enforcement actions and seizure results

HMRC has published details of its enforcement strategy against illegal alcohol trade, including data on goods seized, criminal prosecutions pursued, and the operation of the Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme. The report documents the outputs achieved through the agency’s dedicated alcohol compliance work. The findings cover enforcement activity and regulatory compliance measures implemented to combat smuggling and illicit supply chains in the alcohol sector.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

Valuation Office Agency deploys model-assisted methods for large-scale property assessments

The Valuation Office Agency utilises model-assisted valuation and mass appraisal techniques to handle large-volume property valuations efficiently. These methods combine automated data processing with professional valuation expertise to assess properties at scale. This approach supports the agency’s ability to conduct widespread property valuations while maintaining consistency across assessments.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

HMRC announces SME action plan to streamline public sector supply chain access

HMRC has launched a four-year strategy running until 2028 aimed at reducing barriers for small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to participate in government procurement. The plan focuses on eliminating unnecessary administrative costs and compliance burdens that currently prevent SMEs from accessing public sector contracts. The initiative is designed to make it simpler for smaller businesses to engage with government supply chains.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

HMRC Publishes Annual UK Betting and Gaming Statistics Across Seven Regulatory Regimes

HM Revenue and Customs has released accredited official statistics covering the UK’s seven distinct gambling regulatory regimes. The annual publication provides comprehensive data on betting and gaming activities monitored across all regulated sectors. This statistical release enables businesses and stakeholders in the gambling industry to understand market trends and compliance patterns. The figures are produced to accredited standards, ensuring reliability for industry planning and regulatory oversight purposes.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

Northern Ireland updates health services recovery charges tariff for 2026

The Recovery of Health Services Charges (Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026 modifies the tariff of charges that compensators must pay when an injured person receives a compensation settlement. Under the existing scheme established by the 2006 Order, these charges recover the cost of hospital treatment and ambulance services provided to injured persons. The amendment updates the specified charge amounts that are certified by the Department for Communities and applies to persons liable to pay compensation to injured claimants.

Source: legislation.gov.uk – Read the original