Business / GOVERNMENT FINANCES
HMRC’s demands for third-party data from businesses surge
Demands by tax officials for client lists and other third-party data sets have increased by nearly a half since the coalition government came to power.
Figures released to Exaro under the Freedom of Information Act show that HM Revenue & Customs used its powers to obtain “bulk information” many more times in the tax year just ended, compared with 2010-11.
UK / CHILD ABUSE
MoD policy on claims of child sex abuse at schools ‘stuns’ MPs
MPs are accusing the Ministry of Defence of forcing children of service personnel to stay at schools in the face of allegations of sexual abuse.
MoD officials revealed that, under the rules on education benefit for top forces personnel, children may have to remain at a private school even where they allege that they have been sexually abused.
Business / INSOLVENCIES
Commentary: how ‘zombies’ and ‘phoenixes’ stalk UK economy
Figures for corporate insolvencies are lower than we might expect at this stage in a recessionary cycle, writes the Insolvency Practitioners Association’s chief executive.
But this downturn and recovery has a markedly different shape and length compared with previous recessions. The inaugural Exaro Insolvency Index last week showed that the number of UK companies going into administration or receivership is falling this year.
UK / LOCKERBIE
Scotland’s Lord Advocate challenged over remarks on Lockerbie
Scotland’s most senior law officer has been challenged to withdraw dismissive comments about allegations over the investigation and trial of the Lockerbie bombing.
Campaigners for a public inquiry to re-open the case have issued a stinging rebuke to Frank Mulholland, Lord Advocate and head of the Crown Office, Scotland’s prosecuting authority, over his handling of their allegations of criminal conduct in the original case.
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UK
Capita contract for court interpreters veers towards ‘collapse’
Interpreters are warning that the huge private contract to provide translation services for courts in England and Wales is on the brink of collapse. It comes as court interpreters are refusing to work after Capita, the outsourcing giant that took over the contract, slashed their travel expenses. Hearings are being held up as court officials scramble to find replacements.
UK
Police abandon probe into Cyril Smith’s sexual abuse of boys
Police have dropped their investigation into sexual abuse of boys by former Liberal MP Sir Cyril Smith. The move by Greater Manchester Police is bound to trigger accusations by victims of the ex-MP for Rochdale in Lancashire of an establishment cover-up. It contrasts with Scotland Yard’s decision to carry out a comprehensive investigation into Jimmy Savile, ex-BBC star and paedophile. Updated 20 May 2013.
Business
Company administrations and receiverships fall over past year
Analysis by Exaro shows that the number of UK companies going into administration or receivership is falling this year compared to 2012. The total number of administrations and receiverships fell by just over a fifth in the three months to April compared with the same period last year. However, the analysis also shows that liquidators are being appointed to more companies.







