Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme expanded to more businesses
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Following a change in EU state aid rules, the Government has announced that it will expand the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) to certain businesses classed as “undertakings in difficulty” – those with large losses and debts. The UK remains subject to EU state aid rules during the Brexit transition period.
The change means that businesses in this position with fewer than 50 employees and a turnover below £9 million can apply for a loan under the scheme.
CBILS was announced by the Chancellor during the Budget in March and enables businesses with a turnover of up to £45 million to borrow between £1,000 and £5 million, with the Government meeting the cost of interest for the first 12 months.
To date, more than 57,000 businesses have benefited from £12.6 billion in support from CBILS.
Chris Wilford, Head of Financial Services Policy at the CBI, said: “This is an important step that will help more businesses get the critical support they need. These eligibility hurdles have been a real stumbling block for many firms across the UK throughout the crisis. These were put in place to avoid governments bailing out failing companies, but those rules were established in normal times.
“They have had a real impact on the ability of some high-growth firms and those with more complex structures being able to access the loan schemes. More jobs and livelihoods will now be saved.”
Link: More businesses set to benefit from government loan scheme
The revised version of FRS 102 accounting standards has already brought new reforms for accounting periods starting on or after 1 January 2026 and now the rules are changing again. The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has announced further amendments to FRS 102 and FRS 105, affecting how certain businesses present their financial statements. With the changes taking effect over the next two years, now is the time to understand what is coming and how it could affect you. Why are the FRS 102 rules changing again? The updates follow the introduction of IFRS 18, which replaces IAS 1 on the presentation of financial statements. To ensure they are aligned with international accounting standards, the FRC has introduced amendments to UK GAAP. However, after consultation, it stopped short of adopting the full IFRS 18 model. What are the new FRS 102 changes? The latest amendments apply to entities using updated Companies Act formats. They include: · Revised presentation requirements for businesses applying adapted balance sheet and profit and loss formats · Moving presentation requirements into new appendices within Sections 4 and 5 · Updated definitions of current assets, non-current assets and current liabilities, plus additional application guidance These changes are taking effect for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2027. Alongside this, earlier reforms came into force from 1 January 2026 and changed revenue recognition and lease accounting. Revenue must now follow a five-step control-based model and businesses must reassess customer contracts. Most leases must also now be recognised on the balance sheet as a right-of-use asset with a corresponding lease liability. Instead of a single lease expense, businesses will record depreciation and interest separately. How can you prepare? To prepare for the current FRS 102 changes, you should now be reviewing contracts and lease liabilities and ensuring you have the correct presentation formats. If you are unsure how the new FRS 102 rules will affect your business, now is the time to seek professional advice. For further support, contact our team today.
With just a few weeks before Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax comes into effect on 6 April, the countdown is on. HMRC has been sending letters to thousands of sole traders, landlords and self-employed individuals, warning them their reporting obligations are about to change. Whether you have received your letter or not, you should act now to ensure you are compliant. What is MTD for Income Tax? MTD for Income Tax is HMRC’s move towards a fully digital tax system. If you are affected, you will need to: · Keep digital records of your income and expenses · Use HMRC-compatible software · Submit quarterly updates to HMRC · Complete an end-of-year declaration Quarterly updates will not replace your annual Self-Assessment, but it does mean that you will interact with HMRC more regularly throughout the year. Who will be affected? MTD for Income Tax is being rolled out in stages based on your gross income: · April 2026 – gross income over £50,000 · April 2027 – gross income over £30,000 · April 2028 – gross income over £20,000 Those who fall into the first phase of MTD for Income Tax in April must submit their first quarterly update by 7 August 2026. You must also keep your digital records accurate from the start of the tax year and file your Self-Assessment return by 31 January 2027. How can you prepare for MTD for Income Tax? The time to act is now. You need to move away from paper records and understand your new obligations. You will then need to choose an MTD-compatible software or use a suitable bridging solution that works for your finances. It is necessary to sign up for MTD for Income Tax, as HMRC will not automatically do this for you. You can then begin digital record-keeping. HMRC is taking a soft launch approach to MTD for Income Tax and is waiving penalties for the first year, but you must still remain compliant. Our team can advise you on your reporting requirements, help you implement the right software solution and handle quarterly submissions on your behalf. For further advice or support, get in touch today.
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