In April 2018, we were contacted by the HMRC Sector Compliance Manager for the Police sector updating us on how members should contact HMRC and explaining that HMRC had made improvements to simplify the process of claiming expenses, including professional subscriptions, through the digital channel.

Members can read about claiming tax relief, check for job expenses and check if they can claim before completing a claim form online.

Claim tax relief for your job expenses – GOV.UK

Subscriptions to the SPF may be eligible back 4 years and in our case there are:

From April 2014 to March 2015 – £134.16
From April 2015 to March 2016 – £134.16
From April 2016 to March 2017 – £134.16
From April 2017 to March 2018 – £134.16

You will note that £134.16 is less than the amount you pay in members subscriptions £208.68 per annum. The reason for this is that £74.52 of that amount is paid to the Legal Advice and Assistance Scheme and does not attract tax relief.

IMPORTANT NOTE RE INSURANCE PAYMENTS: Some members have been advised that they can claim tax relief on elements of the Group Insurance Scheme – according to our tax accountants and insurance broker THIS IS NOT THE CASE.

Claims for tax relief can be made on 0300 200 3300, or through the link above.

If for any reason you require to write to HMRC, the new central address is:

Pay As You Earn and Self-Assessment
HM Revenue and Customs
BX9 1AS
United Kingdom

Members of the Group Insurance Scheme should ensure they update their Emergency Contact Numbers in their phones. They are listed above under the Assistance Numbers tab.

You may also wish to download or print this card of Insurance numbers.

A tax charge, known as the ‘High Income Child Benefit Charge’, may be payable if you have an individual income over £50,000. The following link provides a clear indication of the position:

https://www.gov.uk/child-benefit-tax-charge

Commenting on Anas Sarwars question to the First Minister in the Scottish Parliament today, David Hamilton, Vice Chair of the Scottish Police Federation said,

“The Scottish Police Federation has always been keen to discuss examples of and perceptions of bias in Policing.

What we will not however accept is people misusing strictly caveated data to try to evidence widespread racism in the service.

We note that following our challenge, Anas Sarwar amended his question to the First Minister and hope that now he finally accepts that this data does not and never has demonstrated such disgusting behaviours.”

Resignation of CC Gormley 070218