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26 Sep 2017

Broad Walk

BROAD WALK Detached Mansion 8 Bedrooms & 10 Bathrooms Enquire on 0208 800 1155 or info@paul-simon.co.uk
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01 Sep 2017

Offshore income and assets

If you have money or other assets abroad, you could owe tax in the UKThings are changing – the tax world is becoming more transparent• HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is getting tougher on those not paying the right amount of tax across their offshore tax affairs.• From 2016, HMRC is getting new financial information about our customers from more than 100 jurisdictions – including details about overseas accounts, structures, trusts, and investments.• HMRC is already using information, supplied by overseas banks, insurers, and wealth and assets managers, to identify the minority who are not paying what they owe.Are you confident that your UK tax affairs are up-to-date?You need to regularly check that you have declared all of your UK tax liabilities and, if needed, bring your tax affairs up-to-date. This is your responsibility.Personal circumstances change. For example, you may have recently inherited assets overseas. Tax laws change too. All of this means that previous advice can be out-of-date, with costly consequences.• If you are confident that your tax affairs are up-to-date and complete, then you don’t need to do anything further.• If you are unsure, we recommend that you speak to a tax adviser to find out if you need to take action now.• If you find that you need to bring your tax affairs up-to-date, it can be easier than you think. You can chooseto do this now using HMRC’s straightforward online disclosure facility at www.gov.uk/guidance/worldwide-disclosure-facility-make-a-disclosure If you have not paid the right amount of tax and choose not to take action now, you need to know that:• HMRC will find out about your money and assets overseas through new information from more than 100 jurisdictions.• Penalties are increasing for those who are not paying the right amount of tax on their offshore assets, and you can even face criminal prosecution. Under new rules, you could face further penalties based on the value of the asset as well as the tax due, resulting in potentially life-changing consequences.If you choose to delay in coming forward, it’s very likely to cost you more and there is also more chance that HMRC will come for you.Come to us before we come for you Remember• If you are confident that your tax affairs are up-to-date, and you have declared all of your UK tax liabilities, then you don’t need to do anything further.We are already using early financial information to identify the minority who are not paying what they owe.If you need to bring your tax affairs up-to-date, it is your responsibility to do so – act now atwww.gov.uk/guidance/worldwide-disclosure-facility-make-a-disclosure
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25 Aug 2017

Residents say giant new Turkish restaurant on Green Lanes flouts rules to preserve the high street

Residents campaigning to shut down a Turkish restaurant that opened unlawfully in London’s “Little Istanbul” say a rapid rise in the number of places to eat and drink is killing their high street.Sira Vanadokya, which opened at the weekend, takes up three shopfronts along Green Lanes in Harringay, which were knocked into one without full planning consent. Objectors accuse the owners, who have been refused retrospective planning permission, of flouting rules designed to preserve the balance of the street scene. Fifty have written to Haringey council, saying traditional retailers have been squeezed out of Green Lanes over the past decade, leaving the street a “ghost town” by day. However, the restaurant owners say the venue enhances the street’s reputation as a destination for Turkish and Kurdish cuisine, drawing parallels with foodie destinations such as Chinatown and Brick Lane, which attract customers from across the capital. Michael Anderson, who has lived in the area for 33 years, said: “Fifteen years ago when we started to get restaurants around here I welcomed it because it had become deserted."But now it seems everyone has the same idea. A  lot of the ordinary trading shops are dying. We are at a tipping point.” Council figures show restaurants, pubs and takeaways comprise a quarter of the 142 units on the mile-long strip.  Hugh Flouch, founder of community website Harringay Online, said: “I do use the local restaurants and it’s great we have a vibrant restaurant economy but I don’t want that to be all there is"People have talked about wanting a more diverse high street offer including things like a fish shop, a book shop and a stationers.”  The Sira is made up of three units which the owners successfully applied to convert into three individual restaurants one by one over the past 12 months.However, an overall application to permanently combine them into a single diner of 5,000 square feet, open from 7am until 2am daily, was refused last week. Objectors have complained about noise, cooking smells and public disorder from the bigger outlet, equivalent to the size of two tennis courts.  One wrote: “We have no need of any further huge restaurants on this stretch of Green Lanes. To grant retrospective planning permission would send the message that local planning law is to be flouted by simply ignoring it.” In another objection sent to the council, Ian Sygrave, of residents’ group the Ladder Community Safety Partnership, accused the owners of using “dubious and murky” tactics in their attempt to change the building’s use. He added: “Every new loss of a shop undermines the viability of existing outlets and helps to reduce daytime footfall in favour of the night-time economy.” In their council application, the owners said the venue was part of a cultural tradition of Turkish and Cypriot restaurants in Green Lanes which “will enhance the vibrancy and vitality of the town centre, particularly during festival times”. In a letter backing the new restaurant, Shefik Mehmet, chairman of Harringay Traders Association, said: “We like to draw similarities with Chinatown and Southall. Green Lanes is the Turkish equivalent.”  Councillor Ali Ozbek said: “The exciting restaurants have not only added economic improvement but also helped neighbouring units to benefit.” Haringey council said: “We are aware the site has started trading as a restaurant without planning permission and have passed this on to our enforcement team who are investigating further.” Read Article: https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/residents-say-giant-new-turkish-restaurant-on-green-lanes-flouts-rules-to-preserve-the-high-street-a3619236.html
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24 Aug 2017

The BEAST

It's the world's largest inflatable obstacle course, and it's coming to Ally Pally  At 272 metres long, with 32 inflatable obstacles, a DJ and epic light displays, this ain't your standard bouncy castle in a pub garden. This is serious. That's why it's called The Beast.The monster inflatable is being blown up at Ally Pally this August bank holiday.  Street food vendors, including Saucy Chip and Taco Revolution, will also be on site, alongside bars with cocktails, craft beer and prosecco on tap. Our only advice is to indulge after and not before you take on The Beast. Definitely not before. The Beast will be at Alexandra Palace from Friday August 25 to Monday August 28. It'll be open between 10.00am and 11.00pm, with morning sessions for kids and families. Please note the following age restrictions:10am-10:45am 11-15 years old only11am – 11pm Adults only (ages 16+)The Beast is a physical obstacle course, so we advise to wear comfortable clothing. DO I NEED A TICKET?Yes. Sessions on The Beast inflatable are ticketed yes and will run through the day in 15 minute blocks from 10.00am to 11.00pm. You will need to purchase a ticket in advance to experience The Beast.However, the food, drink and party areas will be open to the public throughout and you don’t need a ticket to access these areas.   HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?Tickets are limited so don’t miss out by booking yours today. The Beast sessions are ticketed and will run through the day in 15 minute blocks from 10.00am to 11.00pm, with morning sessions for kids. Each ticket costs £20 (plus a £2 booking fee) and includes one full circuit on The Beast. The food, drink and party areas will be open throughout your experience IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT TO GO ON THE BEAST?Afraid so – for the adult sessions which will run from Midday to closing at 11pm each day, you will need to be 16 or over.There are morning sessions for kids each day from 10am, but these will only be for 11-15 years olds. BUY TICKET Read More: http://www.alexandrapalace.com/whats-on/the-beast/ https://www.timeout.com/london/blog/the-worlds-largest-inflatable-obstacle-course-is-coming-to-london-071817
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22 Aug 2017

LANDLORDS - Are you aware from April 2018 you will be required to report to HMRC quarterly?

Hmrc has confirmed the timetable for the rollout of quarterly reporting and a year end reconciliation under Making Tax Digital with the first tranche of taxpayers, including buy-to-let landlords and the self-employed, set to kick in from April 2018The changes will affect most businesses, including micro and small businesses. This includes over three million self-employed individuals (including around 900,000 buy-to-let landlords), 1.6m companies, over 400,000 ordinary partnerships, and about 600,000 businesses with income from different sources (for example, both self-employment and property).The requirement for quarterly reporting and a subsequent year end reconciliation will be mandatory for all businesses by 2021, although the introduction is being staggered depending on the size of business so that larger incorporated businesses will not be drawn into the system before 2019 at the earliest.Quarterly reporting for landlords and the self employed will start from 6 April 2018 although the threshold of £10,000, suggested in the original proposal documents, is still up for review, with the government yet to confirm whether this will be raised to exclude more of the smallest unincorporated businesses and sole traders. This arbitrary figure has come in for criticism as it is even below the current tax free threshold for individual taxpayers.There is also some discussion about whether the deferral threshold will also be changed which would give a one-year exemption to some businesses.A decision on both threshold issues will be made by the middle of the year at the latest, but it will definitely have to be taken before the Finance Bill 2017 is laid in July. There is likely to be more consultation on this particularly complex issue.Theresa Middleton, HMRC director of Business Customer and Strategy told CCH Daily: ‘We have not included the exemption threshold and deferral threshold as the government has decided that it needs more time to consider these issues, but they will be confirmed before July 2017 when the legislation is laid.’From next year – 6 April 2018 - businesses, self-employed people and landlords will be required to start using the new digital service.       The key dates are:April 2018 if profits chargeable to income tax and pay Class 4 national insurance contributions (NICs);April 2019 onwards VAT falls under Making Tax Digital, so anyone registered for VAT will report and pay this through the new system; andApril 2020 for corporation tax payers.Individuals in employment and pensioners will be exempt from digital tax reporting unless they have secondary incomes of more than £10,000 per year from self-employment or property.It has not been confirmed what the cut-off threshold for larger companies under Making Tax Digital will be as yet, although tax experts are expecting that businesses with annual revenue over £10m and larger partnerships will not be within the scheme as their tax affairs would be too complicated to report in this way.In the consultation, the government said that it was considering exempting more of the smallest unincorporated businesses from the requirement to keep digital records and report earnings. Larger partnerships with income exceeding £10m are likely to be exempted from Making Tax Digital as their tax affairs would be too complex to report through this system.It was also considering deferring the mandatory start date of Making Tax Digital (MTD) by one year for the next tier of small unincorporated businesses and landlords with annual incomes of above £10,000, but below a threshold to be determined. Final decisions will be made before legislation is laid later this year.Read full article here: https://www.cchdaily.co.uk/making-tax-digital-quarterly-reporting-requirements-landlords-and-self-employed
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21 Aug 2017

Haringey Council blames cuts for changes to waste collection

Haringey Council has defended its approval of changes to the collection service given to residents.Haringey Council approved changes to Veolia’s waste collection system on June 30.These changes include charging £25 for four bulky items from July 24; charging £30 for replacement bins from July 31; and, charging £75 for garden waste from October 23 and distributing wheelie bins to those who subscribe.Councillor Peray Ahmet, Haringey Council cabinet member for the environment, said: “After years of council funding reductions, we still need to find another £20 million of savings across the borough, which unfortunately means making some tough decisions.“We are committed to delivering a good waste and recycling service and understand this is important for residents.“These charges will allow us to continue to provide that service while helping us to continue to make budget savings and allow more of our remaining resources to go into other essential areas such as adult social care, libraries and children’s services.”In an e-petition opposing the implementation of changes located on the Haringey Council website, it is argued that the potential impact contravenes the council’s five-point corporate plan for the period 2015 to 2018.The e-petition suggests the changes could result in the increase occurrence of fly-tipping, with some residents unwilling to pay the extra charges.Further counter-arguments to the changes target specific points of the plan.It is pointed out that with most residents already having more than one bin, increasing the number further will go against point 3 to ‘make our streets, parks and estates clean’.And, it is argued that increased trips to recycling centres will counter point 4 to ‘reduce emissions across the borough’.A further dispute is over the amount to be charged for garden waste.Some boroughs charge between £50 to £60, whereas Haringey residents are to be charged £75.Haringey residents already pay the eighth highest council tax of 33 London boroughs.Waste collection company Veolia does offer alternatives to the 240 litre bin for garden waste, but an outreach officer must visit each property before a smaller bin is considered.There is also dismay at mention of a £30 fee for replacing a lost or stolen bin, and replaced when broken by operatives, which opponents say could be open to interpretation; operatives may not realise they have broken bins on their busy routes.Read full article: http://www.enfieldindependent.co.uk/news/15454244.Haringey_Council_blames_cuts_for_changes_to_waste_collection/
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20 Aug 2017

Child genius from North London

A 12-year-old boy from north London has been named Child Genius 2017  Rahul, from Barnet, was the last child standing on the Channel 4 show after he swept to a 10-4 victory in a head-to-head final with nine-year-old Ronan.Cheered on by competitive father Minesh and pharmacist mother Komal, Rahul impressed host Richard Osman with his specialist knowledge of the work of English scientist Edward Jenner in the semi-final.He clinched the title after answering a question on 19th-century artists William Holman Hunt and John Everett Millais' involvement with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.On his win, the youngster said: "I am extremely delighted to win, well done to Ronan and all the other competitors. Thank you."He was entered into the show by Minesh, an IT manager, who called the win a "phenomenal achievement".His father had earlier said: "We're a family who are used to winning and doing well in exams and competitions and things."Rahul captured the imagination of audiences during the competition after he gained full marks in a spelling test and correctly memorised the order of a pack of cards.He had been expecting to do battle with 11-year-old Joshua but Ronan's knowledge of 1666 London saw him secure a spot in the final.Both the grand finalists scored 15 in their specialist fields, with Rahul focusing on Edward Jenner's medical innovation and methodology in 18th-century England.Joshua, from Staffordshire, came in fourth behind 12-year-old Dylan in third while the only girl to reach the final, Aliyah, 10, placed fifth.Read here: https://www.standard.co.uk/stayingin/12yearold-schoolboy-from-barnet-named-child-genius-2017-after-tense-final-a3615696.html
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17 Aug 2017

Cashless Parking

Cashless parking The following has been sent out by Haringey Council: Our on-street Pay & Display (P&D) machines are up to 20 years old and some are in poor condition with high maintenance costs.  They are also susceptible to cash box theft, vandalism and, on occasions, complete removal.  This has been apparent of late as approximately 50 machines have already been taken out of service as a result of vandalism - or being at risk of vandalism. Replacing a P&D machine costs up to £5,000 for supply and installation; so replacing damaged machines is costly. This doesn’t include the costs associated with future cash collections and ongoing maintenance.  On top of this, we have been advised that it would cost nearly £100,000 to convert all of our P&D machines to take the new £1 coin. It is increasingly difficult to justify such expenditure at a time when the Council is experiencing extreme financial pressures and so a decision has been made to move towards cashless parking and commence a programme to phase out P&D machines across the borough and only offer ‘Pay by Phone’ parking. We understand that a number of other London Boroughs are going through the same process. Pay by Phone parking has been operating successfully in Haringey since 2012 and all our recently introduced CPZ's are already ‘cashless’ (Woodside West, Bounds Green East, White Hart Lane, Bruce Grove East & West).  Cashless parking payments can be made by using a simple smartphone app, calling a telephone number or by texting the location number, all of which are given on parking signs. An account would need to be set up but this only takes a few minutes and can be done in advance at home. The system offers a wide range of benefits to customers including choice of payment method, reminders that their parking session is about to end and the option of extending their parking session. Users have also said the biggest advantage is not having to carry lots of coins. We acknowledge that some users may not have access to a smart phone or they may simply prefer to use cash and so we will be introducing a cash payment option via PayPoint. This allows users to pay for their parking session in a PayPoint enabled local shop. A message then gets sent to civil enforcement officers (CEO's) to note that payment has been made for a specific vehicle (the parking session automatically starts and the CEOs handheld will note payment as it would if you were to text or pay for the session using the app). This means that you don’t have to walk back to your vehicle to display a ticket. This PayPoint cash payment system is well established across London. We have been working with our Communications Department to develop a comms strategy, which will include publishing articles in Haringey People, adverts on street and posting information and guidance on Pay by Phone parking on our website. We will also be engaging with the business community to ensure that they are aware of our intention and reassure them that customers will continue to be able to park locally and conveniently. An advantage of the PayPoint system is that users have to walk into shops to pay for their parking sessions and so this is an obvious way for businesses to generate footfall through their premises. Some businesses have also asked us if they can pay for their customers parking session and this is something we are working with Pay by Phone develop. We intend to start decommissioning P&D machines from the beginning of September and hope to complete the programme by 15 October, which is when the old £1 coin will no longer be legal tender. Further information on cashless parking and setting up a Pay by Phone account can be found at www.paybyphone.co.uk or if you have any questions please contact frontline@haringey.gov.uk Full article: http://www.harringayonline.com/forum/topics/haringey-moves-towards-cashless-street-parking
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15 Aug 2017

N22 Open Studios

Published: 15/08/2017 OPEN STUDIOS LOVE WOOD GREEN FESTIVAL Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 September 2017 - 12 noon-6pm We are putting the artists of Wood Green on the map! Unbelievably this is the 21st Chocolate Factory N22 Open Studios and this year it’s part of the new Love Wood Green Festival! The Open Studios map shows 3 studio buildings Chocolate Factory 1, 2 and 3 where over 100 artists are opening their doors. We also have exhibitions of portraits by Michelle Eva May at Karamel, and abstract paintings by Joanna Wilkinson at The Green Rooms in Station Road, Wood Green N22. The studios in Chocolate Factory 1-3 are home to painters, print-makers, photographers, designer-maker, jewellers, sculptors and ceramists. So, whether you are looking to liven-up your wardrobe or your living space, you need to check out the talent in Wood Green. Collage Arts, the promoter of the N22 Open Studios and Love Wood Green Festival, has been at the cornerstone of the Wood Green Cultural Quarter for over 30 years. During this time they have created opportunities for thousands or creative people to get established. The latest programs show how diversity has been indelible etched on the ethos. Making Creativity Work supports young people with a passion for fashion. Create Your Future is working with a group of Kurdish Women to turn their textile skills into enterprises. You can see what they have produced in the market stalls at Studio 28. If you think that the stalls look opulent it is because they will form part of the set for our spectacular Great Gatsby Christmas Party – you will not want to miss that. Our inclusive programs are central to making Wood Green work for everyone. Enjoy the Open Studios and Love Wood Green! Free and family friendly. See the N22 Open Studios website (external link) Love Wood Green Festival! Featuring the 21st annual N22 Open Studios, studios, stalls, art exhibitions – now part of four days of live music, dance workshops, childrens’ theatre and more.  Wednesday 20 September to Sunday 24 September 2017. Start and finish times: 12 noon-6pm Event contact details: Tel: 020 8365 7500 | email: info@collage-arts.org Price details: Free Event category: Advice, jobs and training Art and crafts Children and families Cinema/film Community events Food market Literature Music Theatre and dance Venue:Karamel Restaurant Address: Karamel RestaurantChocolate Factory 4 Coburg Road Wood Green N22 6UJ
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14 Aug 2017

Marvellous Myddleton

In Victorian times, Myddleton Road – tucked away behind Bowes Park Station – was a bustling terrace of shops, restaurants and homes. Thanks to the fantastic efforts of new independent traders and a strong sense of community spirit, the area is enjoying a renaissance as one of Haringey’s best-loved destinations, drawing visitors from across the borough and beyond. Local traders – such as independent bar the Step, Greek grocery Hellenic Gourmet and Italian deli La Coppia – have taken care to preserve the street’s character while making improvements, and the Myddleton Road Community gardens are a haven of calm at the centre of the area. Now a local artist has captured Myddleton’s special heritage through two beautiful 7.3 metre-long panorama artworks – using traditional techniques to capture the street for future generations. Gabriela Schutz’s ‘A Walk in Myddleton Road’ – on display at Bruce Castle Museum until late October – is an installation of two drawing panoramas that record Myddleton Road and a third drawing of the New River, which flows openly near the street. The panoramic format was popular in the 19th century, when people would go to see huge immersive panoramas of landscapes and historical events in a kind of early version of 3D cinema. Gabriela said: “The panoramas of Myddleton Road represent many walks in the road. Hopefully they will serve as an historical document of the street as it was in 2016/17. “Drawing the street, rather than viewing via Google Earth or Streetview, is about slowing down and looking properly at things – and that is true for myself, the artist, and for the viewer. “These days we spend so much time on our phones, exchanging information and communicating with distant people – yet at the same time being by ourselves. It is the personal and physical connection with a place which is the heart of this project. It is about being part of a local community and engaging with reality. “Drawing is a way of observing the world and being totally present. I have been intrigued by the changing architectural styles along the street, by the shop fronts representing different periods of time, diverse cultures and distinct aesthetic tastes.”  www.haringey.gov.uk/brucecastle www.gabrielaschutz.com
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01 Aug 2017

Haringey - Biggest annual house price gains

London house prices: Haringey enjoys biggest annual house price gains while Islington named the biggest faller Sales of London homes to the end of April were 29 per cent lower than the same period last year, according to Your Move’s latest England and Wales house price index. House prices in the capital continued to rise, up 2.7 per cent in the year to April 2017, but this is the second lowest annual rise seen in London since March 2012. The average house price in London at the end of April stood at £615,838, up 0.1 per cent on the month before. Haringey was named the best performing borough, with house prices up 12.5 per cent annually thanks to an increase in prices of flats. In contrast, Islington was the worst performer with house prices down 10.4 per cent following a surge in sales of terraced houses ahead of the three per cent stamp duty surcharge on second homes introduced last year. The index also found that prime property in the capital registered strong growth on an annual basis. Kensington and Chelsea, where average prices stand at £1.9m, enjoyed annual growth of 8.8 per cent while house prices in the the City of Westminster rose by 9.7 per cent. Meanwhile, the City of London saw the biggest monthly increase up 9.6 per cent to £998,709. Read more: What the General Election results mean for house prices Meanwhile, average house prices in England and Wales during May reached new peak of £303,200 despite "General Election uncertainty", Your Move said. Transactions in the north east (up 10 per cent), North West (six per cent), Yorkshire and Humberside (seven per cent), East Midlands (four per cent), West Midlands (six per cent) and Wales (13 per cent) are all higher in the three months to the end of April 2017 than the same period in 2015. Read more: These are the best places to buy a property in the UK Meanwhile, transactions in greater London and the south east are down by 19 per cent and seven per cent respectively. Oliver Blake, managing director of Your Move and Reeds Rains estate agents, said: “There was a lot of talk about housing from the parties in their election manifestos, it’s now time for those words to be put into action. “The market remains resilient and there’s encouraging activity in the north, but we need to urgently address the serious blockages in house building holding back labour mobility and economic competitiveness in too many areas of the country.” RANK123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233ALL LONDONRead full article :  http://www.cityam.com/266388/london-house-prices-haringey-enjoys-biggest-annual-house Tags: London , Haringey , Property , House Price , Landlord , News
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21 Jun 2017

HMO - changing law

THE CHANGING LAW AND VALUATION GUIDANCE FOR HMOs Andrew Wells Following a consultation period last year, the Government plans to extend the scope of mandatory licensing of houses in multiple occupation - known as HMOs - later this year. Under the new HMO licensing proposals, the existing ‘three storey rule’ may be scrapped so that all properties will require a licence if they are occupied by five of more people from two or more households. In addition, flats above and below commercial premises will also need to be licensed. READ MORE
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