Tougher new rules for tax advisers

02/01/2017

The UK’s tax collectors have new powers from January 1 to “name and shame” professional advisers who enable tax evasion.

Advisers will be liable for fines of up to 100 percent of the tax involved, or £3,000, whichever is higher, even if the firm’s Board or principals were unaware that subordinates gave faulty advice.

Financial secretary to the Treasury Jane Ellison said: “Tax evasion is a crime and as a government we have led reform of the international tax system to root it out. Closer to home we are creating a tax system where taxes are fair, competitive and paid.”

The MP explained that a “raft of measures have [been] introduced to tackle avoidance and evasion will create a level playing field for the vast majority of people and businesses who play fair and pay what is due”.

Professional such as accountants, tax advisers and lawyers will be waiting to see if the government tries to extend the new rules to include the giving of advice on tax minimisation that is perfectly legal. Once again, the spotlight will fall on the boundaries of tax evasion and tax avoidance.

Also from January 1, UK taxpayers are required to correct past tax evasion. The deadline is September 30, 2018.

New rule fuels “work time” debate

by: Cassandra Tanti

02/01/2017

Many French workers may be able to win the right to disconnect from work during leisure hours, as a new rule comes into effect from January 1 that obliges companies with more than 50 employees to negotiate with their workforce on the “out of hours” use of smartphones.

The measure is intended to protect workers from burnout stemming from always “being at work”. Research carried out by Eleas, and published in October, found that more than one-third of the French workforce used their phones for work outside normal hours, and almost two-thirds would like to see some restrictions placed on employers’ expectations.

However, many French workers welcome the flexibility that allows them to choose their “hands-on” working time to fit in with family demands, such as meeting the children from school.

No penalties have been agreed for firms that fail to come up with an agreed plan with their workforce.

David Bowie at Monaco’s Carré Doré

by: Cassandra Tanti

02/01/2017

bowie2 A Tribute to David Bowie (#MonacoTributeDavidBowie) continues at the Carré Doré Gallery, at 5 rue Princesse Caroline, until the end of January.

Curated by Flavia Cannata, this important exhibition is dedicated entirely to the pop icon, who died January 10, 2016, after a musical career spanning five decades. He had a lasting influence on art and fashion as well as in music.

The exhibition brings together more than 30 original works of art – from photography to paintings, and from fashion to design – by 23 artists and their virtuosity mirrors the creative talents of their subject.

A private party, by invitation only, will take place next week on the first anniversary of his death. Tokyo’s Kaptain Rock, Maxime Vauchet and the artist and composer Marcus Marin will present their musical interpretations dedicated to Bowie, created especially for the January 10 party.

Karting evening organised by CREM

by: Cassandra Tanti

02/01/2017

CREM, the club for foreign residents in Monaco, is organising an evening with a difference on Tuesday, January 10. Members and non-members, enthusiasts and beginners alike, are invited to take advantage of Monaco’s indoor karting course at Parking des Pecheurs.

Participants will be able to try out the course, drive against the clock, and race against others during a convivial evening with tapas and soft drinks included. Accompanied children of more than seven years of age and measuring at least 1.25 metres can also take part.

The cost is €90 for members and €115 for non-members, with the closing day to register on Thursday, January 5 (info@crem.mc, or +377 97 98 01 77). The excitement starts at 6:30 pm.

Minister fiddles figures while cars burn

by: Cassandra Tanti

02/01/2017

Bruno Le Roux was named France’s Minister of the Interior on December 6, 2016, Photo: Sebastien Denaja

France’s new Interior Minister, Bruno Le Roux, has announced that the total number of vehicles set on fire “directly” to mark the passing of the old year and the arrival of the new was 650, compared to 602 a year ago.

However, beyond these raw numbers is a different reality. The total number of cars destroyed by fire in France on New Years Eve and the early hours of Sunday, January 1, was 945, taking into account that fire also destroyed motor vehicles parked in close proximity to those “directly” set alight.

However, the Minister tried to put the matter in a more favourable light when he announced on Sunday that the number of cars set on fire in this annual French ritual has fallen by 20 percent over the last five years. A spokesman for the Ministry said that there had been no intention to mislead the public, and that some of the cars concerned had been only slightly burned.

Opposition parliamentarians have attacked the minister for employing the same tactics that have been used by the government to artificially reduce the official unemployment figures.

Mr Le Roux, who led the Socialist Party in France’s National Assembly from 2012 until 2016, replaced Bernard Cazeneuve, who was named Prime Minister on December 6 after Emmanuel Valls stepped down to run in the French Presidential election later this year. (Feature image: Richard Hopkins.)

Day: 2 January 2017

Tougher new rules for tax advisers

New rule fuels “work time” debate

David Bowie at Monaco’s Carré Doré

Karting evening organised by CREM

Minister fiddles figures while cars burn

Event: Palermo-Montecarlo

Event: 17th Monaco Classic Week, La Belle Classe – a voyage in time

Tougher new rules for tax advisers

New rule fuels “work time” debate

David Bowie at Monaco’s Carré Doré

Karting evening organised by CREM

Minister fiddles figures while cars burn

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