13th February, 2001 - New MP Database, Agency Regulations

New MP database
A new version of the MP database has now been released. The MP database has been a powerful Lobbying tool which members have used to record details of their correspondence and communications with MP's. The system also makes it possible for like-minded members to get together for joint lobbying efforts such as meeting MP's in their local "surgery".

PCG will be making more use of this system in the run up to a general election as it shows a summary of members by region and allows members to find other (registered) members in a local area. If you have not used it before, login

Here

Agency Regulations
The latest agency regulations are now on the DTI site. The regulations are long and very complicated. PCG officials are reviewing the new regs but in order to adopt a clear position, the full implications of the regulations need to be considered and this will take some time. There is a discussion of the implications in the lobbying board

Forum Link (having problems?? have you read this...)

PCG is aware of a number of "on-going issues" between contractors and agents - particularly as agents seek to take advantage of the uncertainty created by both IR35 and the new regs. All are being looked into before PCG is able to act on some serious matters.

New Revenue Tax Bulletin
After last weeks Times article countering Revenue spin, more IR35 'detail' supported by Revenue opinion and not facts has appeared in their latest Bulletin. Neil Wilson, Legal Director heading up the legal challenge team has already taken steps to counter the Revenue's latest offering.

Revenue Bulletin 51 reports that the Revenue may "have to speak to the worker and to someone representing the client" Neil confirms "it is only the Revenue's view that by talking to the client they can ascertain an opinion on the engagement - we are moving to challenge this view in the courts.

PCG's advice on submitting contracts to the Revenue for an opinion is available

Forum Link (having problems?? have you read this...)

http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/bulletins/tb51.htm#provide

Private Medical Insurance
A newcomers guide to both private medical insurance (PMI) and to permanent health insurance (PHI), plus a Glossary of terms, is available to members. Provided by PCG's chosen PMI broker, Medibroker Online, the guide should provide members with vital information. Medibroker are also available to answer questions.

Further information

Here

Full details of the PCG's Professional Indemnity schemes and Tax Investigation Insurance schemes are also available.

REGIONAL NEWS

A number of regional events are currently being discussed and planned in the Real Life meetings board

Forum Link (having problems?? have you read this...)

The Thames Valley chapter meet publicised in the last newsletter was a great success, with over 30 members attending. Let us promote your local meet - email [email protected] with REGIONS in the subject matter, details of the event and a name and email contact point/or phone number for further information.

Yorkshire
Any members from Yorks. Interested in real life meetings and local PCG action should make contact with Keith Hogben who is planning to coordinate the regional group. Send your contact details and suggestions to Keith at [email protected]

Nottingham
Planned get together at the Admiral Rodney pub in Wollaton (a few miles to the West of the city centre) on Wednesday 21st February. Contact is Janet Richardson [email protected]

West Midlands
Anyone living or working in the West Midlands is invited to one of two meetings being held. The first is at TGI Friday in Coventry (Just off the A46) at 7pm on Tuesday 13th February The second is at O'Neills in the Arcadian, Birmingham at 7pm on Saturday 17th February Further details are available from Ian Colpman [email protected]

PCG Shop
PCG badges - which can help with identification problems at regional meetings � and PCG T-shirts are available from the PCG Shop.

Forum Link (having problems?? have you read this...)

Susie Hughes (Head of Executive Services)

This newsletter is published by the Professional Contractors Group. Some links in the newsletter will take you into the password-protected members' area of the PCG website. If you have forgotten your password, contact password access. To view the Forum links in this newsletter, you must be first logged into the Forum. Further details available here.