The following is a letter received from Master Andrew Gordon-Saker, Costs Judge, SCCO: The Senior Costs Judge is away on official business and he has asked me to respond to your letter dated 21st February. I do know that Master Hurst has raised section 5 of the Costs Practice Direction with HMRC and is presently [...]

We have become aware of the Law Society’s press release dated 12 January 2009 headed up “Law Society successfully challenges VAT guidance for legal aid firms”. The Law Society claim that they have given a ‘boost’ to Legal Aid Solicitors by persuading the Legal Services Commission (LSC) to reimburse VAT on disbursements at the rate [...]

Please note that following the change in the VAT rate to 15%, we would draw the following provisions to your attention: – 1. Paragraph 3.3.2 Single supplies carried over a period of time (from HMRC VAT change in standard rate for VAT registered businesses), provides “if you are making a single supply of a service [...]