News

HMRC has released official statistics providing a comprehensive breakdown of business property floorspace across various classification categories based on the 2023 rating list, with data recorded as of 31 March 2026. The statistics cover multiple classes of non-domestic properties and their respective floorspace measurements. This data is relevant to businesses and organisations subject to non-domestic rates and those managing commercial property portfolios.

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

HMRC has published a handbook setting out the procedural requirements for businesses and organisers managing goods movement in connection with international events. The guide covers necessary documentation, temporary admission procedures, accompanied baggage rules, available reliefs, and licensing obligations for event-related imports and exports. The handbook serves as a reference for those navigating customs procedures specific to international event operations.

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

This resource lists the available contact points provided by HMRC to assist businesses and customs professionals with questions and support relating to customs procedures, trade compliance, and related matters. The contacts are designed to help traders navigate regulatory requirements and resolve issues efficiently.

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

HMRC has published guidance detailing the current availability and any operational issues with the Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme (AWRS), which handles registrations for businesses involved in wholesale alcohol trading. This resource allows registered wholesalers and those applying to check whether the AWRS platform is operating normally or experiencing disruptions. The guidance helps traders understand service status before attempting to submit applications or access their existing registration records.

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

HMRC has published official statistics detailing the current stock of domestic properties categorised by Council Tax Band across England and Wales. The data provides a breakdown of residential properties distributed across different tax bands, offering insight into property valuations and domestic property holdings in both nations. This statistical release serves as a reference point for understanding the composition and scale of the residential property market as it stood in 2026.

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

HMRC has published guidance on how to access the Manage your Alcohol Duty online service, along with current information about system availability and any technical issues that may affect users. This resource helps alcohol duty liable businesses check whether the service is operational and troubleshoot access problems. Businesses managing their alcohol duty obligations should consult this guidance to ensure they can submit their required returns and payments on time.

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

The Criminal Legal Aid (General) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 extends legal aid eligibility to proceedings involving orders newly created under the Crime and Policing Act 2026 and the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025. The amendment designates these proceedings as criminal proceedings under the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, ensuring defendants can access publicly funded legal representation in cases involving the new statutory orders. This change affects the scope of criminal legal aid provision across England and Wales.

Source: legislation.gov.uk – Read the original

HMRC has published a screening Equality Impact Assessment examining the effects of proposed Lifetime Allowance Protections and Enhancements. The assessment evaluates how these pension policy changes may affect different demographic groups. This screening document informs stakeholders of the government’s consideration of potential equality implications before implementation of the measures.

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

The Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme establishes regulatory requirements for businesses involved in the wholesale supply of alcohol. The scheme sets out the legal framework and compliance obligations that alcohol wholesalers must follow to operate legally. This notice provides guidance on how the scheme affects trading activities and what regulations apply to those engaged in alcohol wholesale distribution. Businesses in the alcohol supply chain should review the specific requirements to ensure they meet their legal obligations under this registration system.

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

HMRC has introduced an online service enabling businesses and customs agents to securely upload and download files to and from the authority. Users can register for a new account or log into an existing one to access the file transfer platform. This service provides a controlled method for exchanging customs documentation and trade compliance data with HMRC.

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