Where an action had been begun on basis of allegations of negligence and breach of trust, new allegations of fraud where quite separate new causes of claim, and went beyond amendments and were disallowed outside the relevant limitation period. Sections 23 and 36 and the absence of express statutory mention in the 1980 Act of … Continue reading Paragon Finance Plc (Formerly Known As National Home Loans Corporation Plc v D B Thakerar and Co (a Firm); Ranga and Co (a Firm) and Sterling Financial Services Limited: CA 21 Jul 1998
The question arising was whether paragraph 55(2) of Schedule 8 to the Finance Act 1995, a reinsurance treaty entered into on 25 November 1994 by the taxpayer reinsurer with a non-resident cedant is, by virtue of the fact that policies of life assurance ceded by that treaty were issued before 1 November 1994, within the … Continue reading Barrett (HM Inspector of Taxes) v Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Ltd: CA 12 Jun 2003
The council owned land on which it wanted to build a recreational centre. Construction contracts were entered into not by the council but by a finance company, the building contractors being the respondents Wiltshier Northern Ltd. The finance company then assigned to the council its rights under the building contracts, and the council claimed damages … Continue reading Darlington Borough Council v Wiltshier Northern Ltd and Others: CA 29 Jun 1994
The Alexander T, owned by the appellant and insured by the respondents was a total loss. The insurers resisted payment, the appellant came to allege improperly, and the parties had settled the claim on full payment under a Tomlin Order. The owners later began proceedings in Greece claiming what the defendants said were the same … Continue reading Starlight Shipping Co v Allianz Marine and Aviation Versicherungs Ag and Others: CA 20 Dec 2012
FTTTx TYPE OF TAX – s. 16 Finance Act 1994 – was Reviewer’s decision not to restore vehicle reasonable – yes. Citations: [2012] UKFTT 403 (TC) Links: Bailii Customs and Excise Updated: 03 November 2022; Ref: scu.462792
A leasing company adopting the style of a like supplier had to adopt that supplier’s representations. Citations: Times 01-Apr-1994, [1994] CCLR 127 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Anglo Group Plc, Winther Brown and Co Ltd v Winter Brown and Co Ltd, BML (Office Computers) Ltd, Anglo Group Plc, BML (Office Computers) Ltd … Continue reading Lease Management Services Ltd v Purnell Secretarial Services Ltd: CA 1 Apr 1994
Irrelevant parts of documents required to be disclosed may be blanked out on discovery by the party giving discovery. Hoffmann LJ: ‘It has long been the practice that a party is entitled to seal up or cover up parts of a document which he claims to be irrelevant’, and after citing Jones v Andrews, ‘In … Continue reading GE Capital Corporate Finance Group v Bankers Trust Co and Others: CA 3 Aug 1994
Judges: Vinelott J Citations: [1994] 2 BCLC 607 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Orion Finance Ltd v J D Williams and Company Ltd CA 23-Jun-1995 The finance company had taken an assignment of the benefit of a lease of computer equipment and sought payment from the defendants. . . Lists of cited … Continue reading Orion Finance Ltd v Crown Financial Management Ltd: 1994
CUSTOMS AND EXCISE – seizure of vehicle – appeal against decision not to restore the vehicle – s 152(b) Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 – s 16 Finance Act 1994 – whether the refusal decision could not reasonably have been arrived at – appeal allowed – further review directed Citations: [2022] UKFTT 272 (TC) … Continue reading Corach International Transport Ltd v Revenue and Customs: FTTTx 12 Aug 2022
World-wide freezing orders had been made under the 1982 Act. The defendants were members of a Turkish family with substantial business interests in the telecommunications industry. In breach of orders made in the US some defendants had sought to hide their assets. They had failed to respond as required to orders to disclose their assest, … Continue reading Motorola Credit Corporation v Uzan and others (No 2): CA 12 Jun 2003
The claimant had obtained a charging order to secure a judgment debt, but took no steps to enforce it for more than twelve years. The chargee denied that it could any longer be enforced, and also that the order carried interest when interest had not been mentioned. Held: A charging order impliedly includes a charge … Continue reading Ezekiel v Orakpo: ChD 4 Nov 1994
EXCISE – Restoration – Application by Customs to dismiss appeal as abuse of process – Deemed forfeiture of 5000 cigarettes – Appellant claiming cigarettes for own use – Notice 12A (October 2002) – Appellant sent Letters A and B both appealing against seizure and requesting restoration – Customs’ letter stating restoration could not be considered … Continue reading Smith v Revenue and Customs: Excs 12 Jul 2005
The company had gone into liquidation. They had sold consumer policies as extended warranties on behalf of the claimant. The company had insured its own joint liability under the contracts, and the claimant sought information from the company’s administrators to assist it identifying who might else be liable. Held: The claimant could rely upon the … Continue reading First National Tricity Finance Ltd v OT Computers Ltd; In re OT Computers Ltd (in administration): CA 25 May 2004
The claimant asserted involvement by the defendant bank in a fraud perpetrated against him. Jurisdiction had already been admitted for one trust , and now the claimant sought to add two further claims. Held: ‘None of the gateways to English jurisdiction in CPR PD 6B paragraph 3.1 expressly permit a putative claimant to pursue a … Continue reading Williams v Central Bank of Nigeria: QBD 24 Jan 2012
The applicant sought judicial review of a decision to grant a search warrant in respect of his offices, saying that the material covered was protected by legal privilege. The warrant had been unavailable under section 8 because of the privilege, and so the police had applied to a circuit judge under section 9. Held: The … Continue reading Regina v Lewes Crown Court and Chief Constable of Sussex Police ex parte Nigel Weller and Co: Admn 12 May 1999
The European Court had found the UK to have unlawfully treated differently payment of franked dividends between subsidiaries of UK companies according to whether all the UK subsidiaries were themselves UK based, thus prejudicing European subsidiaries, breach of EU Treaty guarantees of freedom of establishment and of movement of capital. The court was now asked … Continue reading Test Claimants In The Franked Investment Income Group Litigation v Inland Revenue: SC 23 May 2012
The court may issue a stay of proceedings pending disclosure of the source of funding of an action, without there needing to be any suggestion of champerty or other illegality. The first plaintiff was ordered to disclose to the 5th and 6th defendants on affidavit whether any, and if so what, third party or parties … Continue reading Abraham and Another v Thompson and Others: ChD 12 May 1997
A Home Secretary requesting warrants must be specific on the type he required. It was his duty, and not that of the police to state the method of seizure of documents for use in a foreign jurisdiction. A judge making an order should give reasons for the order. Judges: Laws J Citations: Independent 29-Mar-1994, Times … Continue reading Regina v Central Criminal Court Ex Parte Propend Finance Pty Ltd and Others: QBD 17 Mar 1994
An undisclosed discount for interest free credit given by a retailer was not allowable, and VAT was payable on the full amount. Citations: Ind Summary 12-Sep-1994 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Appeal from – Primback Ltd v Commissioners of Customs and Excise CA 30-Apr-1996 A retailer giving a discount was liable for Vat only … Continue reading Primback Ltd v Customs and Excise Commissioners: QBD 12 Sep 1994
The court can order a champertous non-party to pay a successful defendant’s costs of defending the claim.A non-party unlawfully supporting an action was ordered to pay the costs of the defendant. Held: It may not be necessary to every case of lawful maintenance that the maintainer should accept a liability for a successful adverse party’s … Continue reading McFarlane v E E Caledonia Ltd: QBD 8 Dec 1994
The appeal concerned a final third party debt order (formerly a garnishee order). A judgment in France was registered here for enforcement. That jurisdiction was now challenged. Held: A third party debt order is a proprietary remedy operating by attachment against the property of the judgment debtor. The property so attached is the chose in … Continue reading Societe Eram Shipping Company Limited and others v Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corp Ltd, Compagnie Internationale de Navigation: HL 12 Jun 2003
FTTTx Excise Duty Tobacco : Hand Rolling – Excise and Customs Duty – importation of tobacco products – appeal against Civil Evasion Penalties – s 25(1) of Finance Act 2003 and s 8(1) of Finance Act 1994 – whether dishonesty – yes – whether allowances given to reduce penalties correct – yes – appeal dismissed … Continue reading Iqbal v Revenue and Customs: FTTTx 12 Oct 2016
UTTC Value Added Tax – whether services provided by Appellant exempt under Value Added Tax Act 1994, Schedule 9, Group 6, Item 1 – whether Appellant was ‘an eligible body’ within Note (1)(b)- whether Appellant was a college or institution of the University of Wales – whether possible to be an eligible body in relation … Continue reading Finance and Business Training Ltd v HM Revenue and Customs: UTTC 26 Nov 2013
Application for leave to appeal [2014] EWCA Civ 1412 Bailii England and Wales Citing: At FTTTx – Finance and Business Training Ltd v Revenue and Customs FTTTx 14-Jun-2012 Education – Exemptions – Value Added Tax Act 1994, Sch 9, Group 6, Item 1, Note 1(b )- Exemptions – Whether the Appellant is a college of … Continue reading Finance and Business Training Ltd v HM Revenue and Customs: CA 28 Oct 2014
Education – Exemptions – Value Added Tax Act 1994, Sch 9, Group 6, Item 1, Note 1(b )- Exemptions – Whether the Appellant is a college of a university – Whether the Appellant is an eligible body [2012] UKFTT 382 (TC) Bailii England and Wales Cited by: Appeal from – Finance and Business Training Ltd … Continue reading Finance and Business Training Ltd v Revenue and Customs: FTTTx 14 Jun 2012
The court was asked ‘Does EU law mean that a provider of university courses is entitled to the education exemption from VAT in the same way as a university even if not so entitled under UK VAT law?’ The FTT decided it was not. Although it supplied a university education, FBT also had to show … Continue reading Finance and Business Training Ltd v Revenue and Customs: CA 19 Jan 2016
FTTTx Excise Duty – importation of tobacco products – concealment – seizure and confiscation of tobacco – CEMA 1979 – excise duty assessment under Finance Act 1994 s 12 (1A) – no valid grounds of appeal presented – appeal disallowed. [2014] UKFTT 1096 (TC) Bailii England and Wales Customs and Excise Updated: 24 December 2021; … Continue reading Sunman v Director of Border Revenue: FTTTx 12 Dec 2014
FTTTx Excise Duty – importation of tobacco products – concealment – seizure and confiscation of tobacco – CEMA 1979 – excise duty assessment under Finance Act 1994 s 12 (1A) – no valid grounds of appeal presented – appeal disallowed. [2014] UKFTT 1095 (TC) Bailii England and Wales Customs and Excise Updated: 24 December 2021; … Continue reading McAreavey v Director of Border Revenue: FTTTx 12 Dec 2014
ICO The complainant has requested copies of the drafting papers (i.e. instructions to Parliamentary Counsel and correspondence with Parliamentary Counsel) regarding specific provisions within the Finance Act 1994 and the Finance Act 2008. The Cabinet Office withheld the information on the basis of the legal professional privilege exemption (section 42) and the government policy exemption … Continue reading Cabinet Office (Decision Notice): ICO 8 May 2012
FTTTx Corporation tax – corporate underwriter at Lloyd’s – application of anti-loss buying restriction in s227A Finance Act 1994 – taxpayer owned by consortium during period of ‘group-relief continuity condition’ in s227A(5), subsequently acquired as wholly-owned subsidiary of one of the consortium members – then seeking to surrender in later period, by way of group … Continue reading Standfast Corporate Underwriters Ltd v Revenue and Customs: FTTTx 12 Feb 2014
FTTTx TYPE OF TAX – s. 16 Finance Act 1994 – was Reviewer’s decision not to restore vehicle reasonable – yes. Alison McKenna [2012] UKFTT 426 (TC) Bailii Finance Act 1994 16 England and Wales Customs and Excise Updated: 01 November 2021; Ref: scu.462808
The defendant, now appellant, ran a business involving the storage of tyres. The claimant neighbour’s own business next door was severely damaged in a fire of the tyres escaping onto his property. The court had found him liable in strict liability under the rule in Rylands, concluding that the appellant had collected the tyres on … Continue reading Stannard (T/A Wyvern Tyres) v Gore: CA 4 Oct 2012
UTTC Excise Duty – reclaim of excise duty on exportation of beer – appeal from the FTT’s decision that HMRC had breached European law and the supplier’s human rights by undertaking extended verification of its claim for drawback of excise duty on beer warehoused for export – the effect of the FTT’s finding that the … Continue reading HMRC v Europlus Trading Ltd FTC/38/2012: UTTC 1 Mar 2013
A settlor by will was deemed to have had an interest as funds were passed to a Jersey Trust. The section merely made or allowed that a variation of a will would not be a taxable event in UK law. It had no other effects. A deed of family arrangement . .
It had been alleged that there had been a conspiracy involving the company giving unlawful financial assistance for the purchase of its own shares.
Held: Dishonesty is not a necessary ingredient of liability in an allegation of a ‘knowing . .
FTTTx VAT – Preliminary Issues; Fleming claims; time bar; group registration; effect of leaving group; effect of disbandment; whether timeous claim by a former member of group entitles the representative member . .
The appellant had requested a hardship allowance so as not to have to pay claimed VAT before the hearing of an appeal. That was refused, and the claimant now said that the rules restricting an appeal against such a refusal were unlawful.
Held: . .
A settlor by will was deemed to have had an interest as funds were passed to a Jersey Trust. The section merely made or allowed that a variation of a will would not be a taxable event in UK law. It had no other effects. A deed of family arrangement . .
References: [2013] UKUT 108 (TCC) Links: Bailii UTTC Excise Duty – reclaim of excise duty on exportation of beer – appeal from the FTT’s decision that HMRC had breached European law and the supplier’s human rights by undertaking extended verification of its claim for drawback of excise duty on beer warehoused for export – the … Continue reading HMRC v Europlus Trading Ltd FTC/38/2012; UTTC 1 Mar 2013
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UTTC EXCISE DUTIES – whether assessment made within time limit – FA 1994 s 12 – when necessary facts came to the respondents’ knowledge – whether FTT’s findings of fact open to it – yes – appeal dismissed Citations: [2017] UKUT 245 (TCC) Links: Bailii Statutes: Finance Act 1994 12 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Customs … Continue reading Lithuanian Beer Ltd v Revenue and Customs (Excise Duties): UTTC 14 Jun 2017
UTTC Excise Duty and Value Added Tax – Alleged release to the home market of duty suspended whisky and vodka despatched from the Appellant’s warehouse – exercise of powers under section 12 Finance Act 1994 – . .
References: [2015] UKUT 167 (TCC) Links: Bailii UTTC Excise Duty and Value Added Tax – Alleged release to the home market of duty suspended whisky and vodka despatched from the Appellant’s warehouse – exercise of powers under section 12 Finance Act 1994 – Appeal dismissed Statutes: Finance Act 1994 12
On the charterers’ orders the Angelic Grace was required to tie up alongside another vessel which they owned. Whilst unloading the weather turned and the vessels collided. Each blamed the other and the owners claimed a salvage. The court considered the clause ‘all disputes from time to time arising out of this contract shall . … Continue reading Aggeliki Charis Compania Maritima SA v Pagnan SpA – The Angelic Grace: CA 1995
Losses arose from the misvaluation of a company before its purchase. The respondent had funded the purchase, relying upon a valuation by the predecessor of the appellant firm of accountants. Further advances had been made when the true situation was revealed. Held: The accountants’ appeal succeeded. As a general rule ‘collateral benefits are those whose … Continue reading Lowick Rose Llp v Swynson Ltd and Another: SC 11 Apr 2017
The House was asked as to the extent to which a consignor can claim damages against a carrier in circumstances where the consignor did not retain either property or risk. To the general principle that a person cannot recover substantial damages for breach of contract where he himself has suffered no loss by reason of … Continue reading Albacruz (Cargo Owners) v Albazero ‘The Albazero’: HL 1977
The plaintiffs appealed an order that they should disclose who if any had funded their case. The case concerned failed business ventures in Portugal. Citations: [1997] EWCA Civ 2179 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Appeal from – Abraham and Another v Thompson and Others ChD 12-May-1997 The court may issue a stay of proceedings pending … Continue reading Abraham and Another v Thompson and Another: CA 24 Jul 1997
The buyer paid a sum demanded by the seller who threatened otherwise to withdraw the credit facilities it provided to the buyer. The sum was not in fact due, but the demand had been made honestly. The buyer said the agreement was voidable for duress. Held: Duress was not available when the action threatened was … Continue reading CTN Cash and Carry v Gallaher: CA 15 Feb 1993
The parties came together in a limited partnership to develop property. The appeal was against a refusal to grant summary judgment on a claim that one party had been induced to enter the contract by a fraudulent misrepresentation. Held: In this case, the defendant knew of the unlawful activity, and had no arguable defence, and … Continue reading Criterion Properties Plc v Stratford UK Properties and others: CA 18 Dec 2002
EXCISE DUTY – hand rolling tobacco – s.12(1A) Finance Act 1994 and Schedule 41 to Finance Act 2008 – strike out application – illiteracy – appellant unable to read – Jones and Race considered – deeming of commercial use – the temporal effect of the deeming rule – no reasonable excuse – no special circumstances … Continue reading Clark v Revenue and Customs (Procedure : Excise Duty – Hand Rolling Tobacco): FTTTx 25 Jul 2019
VDT VALUE ADDED TAX – import VAT – Simplified Import VAT Accounting (‘SIVA’) – trader authorised to defer payment with nil security – default in accounting for domestic VAT – whether sufficient without more to justify revocation of nil security requirement – criteria to be considered – whether trader representing risk to the revenue – … Continue reading Martin Yaffe International Ltd v Revenue and Customs: VDT 14 Jul 2005
Section 80 VATA 1994 – Section 121 Finance Act 2004 – whether a claim was made within time – appeal dismissed Citations: [2011] UKFTT 406 (TC) Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales VAT Updated: 17 September 2022; Ref: scu.443156
The claimant sought to challenge search warrants issued by the respondents. The warrants were criticised as being too widely drawn, and in breach of the 1984 Act. Criticism was also made of the implementation of the searches, in the use of excess numbers of officers, and the taking of images of hard disks, thus acquiring … Continue reading Da Costa and Co (a Firm) and Collins v Thames Magistrates Court and H M Commissioners of Customs and Excise: QBD 25 Jan 2002
The claimant alleged that she had been discrimated against in her work for the appellant, a member of the diplomatic staff at the Saudi Embassy in London. She now appealed against a decision that the respondent had diplomatic immunity. Held: The appeal was allowed: ‘the question whether the exception in article 31(1)(c) would have applied … Continue reading Reyes v Al-Malki and Another: SC 18 Oct 2017
The defendant sought disclosure of full statements used by the claimant . Extracts only had been supplied, and he said they contained private and confidential material. Held: The application failed. The claimant had stated that the balance of the material did not relate to the case, and in the absence of evidence to the contrary … Continue reading Paddick v Associated Newspapers Ltd: QBD 10 Dec 2003
The parties anticipated a change in the system for taxing gains on options to buy or sell bonds and government securities. An option would be purchased before the change and exercised after the change to create losses which could be set off against other taxable gains. The risk to the market maker (Citibank) was set … Continue reading Inland Revenue Commissioners v Scottish Provident Institution: HL 25 Nov 2004
Europa The benefits paid by an employer to a worker on the latter’s redundancy constitute a form of pay to which the worker is entitled in respect of his employment, which is paid to him upon termination of the employment relationship, which facilitates his adjustment to the new circumstances resulting from the loss of his … Continue reading Barber v Guardian Royal Exchange Assurance Group: ECJ 17 May 1990
REPAYMENT SUPPLEMENT – Time limit for repayment – Delay due to Commissioners’ inquiry – Calculation of period of inquiry – Finance Act 1994 s.79(4) – Value Added Tax General Regulations 1995 regs 198 and 199 Citations: [2003] UKVAT V18243 Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales VAT Updated: 09 August 2022; Ref: scu.221209
UTTC Claims for repayment of VAT – whether further claims for refunds were amendments to an earlier claim made within the time prescribed by s. 121 Finance Act 2008, or were separate claims out of time and barred by s. 80(4) Value Added Tax Act 1994 – held that the claims were separate claims and … Continue reading Grand Entertainments Company v Revenue and Customs: UTTC 3 May 2016
FTTTx EXCISE DUTY – 8.5 kgs of hand-rolling tobacco seized by Commissioners on grounds imported for commercial use – condemnation proceedings commenced in magistrates’ court – Commissioners decision not to restore goods – appellant failed to attend magistrates’ court hearing and goods condemned – restoration proceedings commenced – whether appellant entitled to challenge legality of … Continue reading Morgan v Revenue and Customs: FTTTx 19 Jun 2009
VDT EXCISE – seizure of vehicle and goods – whether seizure challenged – restoration refused – whether appeal against non-restoration of vehicle – whether decision not to restore goods proportionate – whether appellant entitled to raise issue of own use – whether abuse of process – No JURISDICTION – Whether criminal charge – Whether Magna … Continue reading Davidson v Revenue and Customs: Excs 25 Jul 2008
The mediator who had acted in attempting to resolve the dispute between the parties sought to have set aside a witness summons issued by the claimant who sought to have the mediated agreement set aside for economic duress. Held: In this case the balance was in favour of the mediator giving the evidence requested. In … Continue reading Farm Assist Ltd v Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (No 2): TCC 19 May 2009
Excs EXCISE DUTY – refusal to restore excise goods including 18 kilograms of hand rolling tobacco and 24,860 cigarettes imported by the three Appellants – the Appellants claimed that the goods were not liable to forfeiture and proceedings were commenced in the magistrates court – those proceedings had not been heard at the date of … Continue reading McCullim and others v Customs and Excise: Excs 7 Feb 2005
RESTORATION REFUSAL – Vehicle – Appellant disabled – Importing cigarettes and tobacco 5 times guideline – Heavy smoker – Part to be reimbursed by family – Larger quantity allowed through 7 weeks earlier – Little detail recorded but Notice 1 served – Disability not regarded as relevant by Review Officer – Wrong test applied by … Continue reading Hendy v Customs and Excise: Excs 11 Jan 2002
SCIT QUALIFYING CONTRACTS – Profits and losses – Front end payments under currency contracts – Whether qualifying payments – No – Whether to be allocated such that payments are included as ‘amounts B’ – No – Whether currency contracts were entered into for unallowable purposes – Yes – Appeal dismissed – FA 1994 ss 151, … Continue reading Prudential Plc v Revenue and Customs: SCIT 11 Sep 2007
EXCISE DUTY – civil evasion penalty under section 8 (1) Finance Act 1994 and section 25 (1) Finance Act 2003 – whether appellant dishonest – appeal allowed Citations: [2019] UKFTT 398 (TC) Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Customs and Excise Updated: 10 July 2022; Ref: scu.639120
The claimant alleged that the defendants had funded the purchase of various properties by secret and unlawful commissions taken by them whilst in power in Pakistan. They sought to recover the proceeds. They now sought permission to serve proceedings on the defendant companies abroad, outside a Lugano Convention country. Held: The claim should proced. ‘There … Continue reading Islamic Republic of Pakistan v Zardari and others: ComC 6 Oct 2006
The occupier had been granted a temporary licence by the authority under the homelessness provisions whilst it made its assessment. The assessment concluded that she had become homeless intentionally, and therefore terminated the licence and set out to evict her. She claimed that the authority had to get a court authority before so evicting her. … Continue reading Desnousse v London Borough of Newham and others: CA 17 May 2006
VDT VALUE ADDED TAX – input tax -Appellant made exempt supplies of finance (the sale of securities) outside the member states with a right to recovery of input tax (specified supplies) as well as taxable and exempt supplies – no goods or services supplied to the Appellant were used exclusively in making specified supplies – … Continue reading National Provident Institution v Customs and Excise: VDT 18 Feb 2005
Tenants occupied land next to land which was to be developed after compulsory acquisition. The tenants and the landlords asserted a right of light over the land, and sought an injunction to prevent the development. The developer denied that any right of light had been acquired. The sky contour diagrams projected that the reductions in … Continue reading Midtown Ltd v City of London Real Property Company Ltd: ChD 20 Jan 2005
Paragraph 57(2) of Schedule 8 to the Finance Act 1995, which provides that section 442A of the Taxes Act 1998 ‘does not apply in relation to the reinsurance of a policy or contract where the policy or contract was made, and the reinsurance arrangement effected, before 29 November 1994’, provided an indication that the opening … Continue reading Barrett (HM Inspector of Taxes) v Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Ltd: ChD 5 Jul 2002
Mrs Nolan had been employed at a US airbase. When it closed, and she was made redundant, she complained that the appellant had not consulted properly on the redundancies. The US denied that it had responsibility to consult, and now appealed. Held: The appeal failed (Lord Carnworth dissenting). That the exact situation might not have … Continue reading The United States of America v Nolan: SC 21 Oct 2015
VDT EXEMPT SUPPLIES – Finance – Credit and debit cards – Appellant accepting remote cinema bookings for Odeon – Customers paying by card – Appellant charged 50 pence per ticket to customers – Extent of services to customers – Whether card handling services exempt – Whether any dealing with money – Whether intermediary services supplied … Continue reading Bookit Ltd v Customs and Excise: VDT 28 May 2004
A company made arrangements for finance for its customers to purchase products at an apparent zero rate of interest. In fact the finance company deducted an undisclosed commission before forwarding payment to the shop. The shop wanted to pay VAT only on the amount it received. It was held to be liable on the amount … Continue reading Primback Ltd v Commissioners of Customs and Excise: ECJ 15 May 2001
FTTTx Excise Duty – warehouse – application for registration as an owner of goods under Warehousekeepers and Owners of Goods Regulations 1999 (‘WOWGR’) – whether decision of HMRC could reasonably have been arrived at – jurisdiction of Tribunal – appropriate remedy under section 16 (4) Finance Act 1994 – appeal allowed – directions to Commissioners … Continue reading Eastenders Cash and Carry Plc v Revenue and Customs: FTTTx 29 Dec 2010
The plaintiff, a bankrupt, pursued libel proceedings. He was being financed by his mother who had limited resources. She undertook to pay any order for costs, but the Master ordered a stay under the inherent jurisdiction of the court to prevent abuse of process unless the plaintiff provided security. The plaintiff appealed and the mother … Continue reading Condliffe v Hislop and Another: CA 3 Nov 1995
A retailer giving a discount was liable for Vat only on the discounted finance price, not on the full retail price. Citations: Times 30-Apr-1996, [1996] STC 757 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Appeal from – Primback Ltd v Customs and Excise Commissioners QBD 12-Sep-1994 An undisclosed discount for interest free credit given by a retailer … Continue reading Primback Ltd v Commissioners of Customs and Excise: CA 30 Apr 1996
The claimants said that they had been tortured by Saudi police when arrested on false charges. They sought damages, and appealed against an order denying jurisdiction over the defendants. They said that the allegation of torture allowed an exception to state immunity. Held: The Kingdom’s appeal succeeded. The protection of state immunity was essentially a … Continue reading Jones v Ministry of Interior for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and others: HL 14 Jun 2006
The claimant appealed against a costs order. She had previously appealed against an order of the High Court on her application for judicial review of the inquest held by the respondent. Held: The coroner, and others in a similar position should not generally be expected to pay the costs of an appeal against an order … Continue reading Regina on the Application of Davies (No 2) v HM Deputy Coroner for Birmingham: CA 27 Feb 2004
Car hire companies who pursued actions in motorists’ names to recover the costs of hiring a replacement vehicle after an accident, from negligent drivers, were not acting in a champertous and unlawful manner. Lord Mustill said: ‘there exists in practical terms a gap in the remedies available to the motorist, from which the errant driver, … Continue reading Giles v Thompson, Devlin v Baslington (Conjoined Appeals): HL 1 Jun 1993
Charitable Company- Directors’ Status and Duties A married couple set up a charitable foundation to assist children in developing countries. When the marriage failed an attempt was made to establish a second foundation with funds from the first, as part of W leaving the Trust. Court approval was obtained, but the court ordered the remaining … Continue reading Lehtimaki and Others v Cooper: SC 29 Jul 2020
The defendant solicitors acted in several matters for a client on terms specifying hourly rates but providing also for ‘a 20% reduction from solicitor/client costs for any lost cases’. Held: The agreement amounted to a contingency fee agreement which was unenforceable as being contrary to public policy. The court rejected the solicitors’ argument that the … Continue reading Aratra Potato Co Ltd v Taylor Joynson Garrett: 1995
The Board was asked what was necessary to establish the raltionship of principal and agent. Held: In the essence of agency is the element of consent. Where there is an available market for the goods, the market price is determined as at the contractual date of delivery, unless the buyer should have mitigated by going … Continue reading Garnac Grain Co Inc v HMF Faure and Fairclough: PC 1967
Contract – Contract for provision of computer services – purchaser contract with finance company – duty of co-operation to be implied in computer contracts – practice – responsibilities of expert witnesses generally – whether computer company liable to purchaser – whether purchaser liable to finance company.The parties disputed the delivery and quality of a computer … Continue reading Anglo Group Plc, Winther Brown and Co Ltd v Winter Brown and Co Ltd, BML (Office Computers) Ltd, Anglo Group Plc, BML (Office Computers) Ltd: TCC 8 Mar 2000
This appeal arises in the context of the regime which permits wholesale trading in alcoholic drinks and other dutiable goods which are held in, or moved between, excise warehouses without giving rise to an ‘excise duty point’ and thus attracting liability for excise duty. Held: (i) The High Court has jurisdiction to grant an injunction … Continue reading CC and C Ltd v Revenue and Customs: CA 19 Dec 2014
The claimant alleged copying of designs. The defendant appealed a finding that copying had taken place. Held: The rejection of the dissection test in Ladbroke was as to the subsistence of copyright and not as to infringement. Evidence of those in the industry as to practice may not allow for elements of law known to … Continue reading Designers Guild Ltd v Russell Williams (Textiles) Ltd: CA 26 Mar 1999
The court reconsidered the law relating to penalty clauses in contracts. The first appeal, Cavendish Square Holding BV v Talal El Makdessi, raised the issue in relation to two clauses in a substantial commercial contract. The second appeal, ParkingEye Ltd v Beavis, raised the issue at a consumer level, with a separate issue under the … Continue reading Cavendish Square Holding Bv v Talal El Makdessi; ParkingEye Ltd v Beavis: SC 4 Nov 2015
EXCISE DUTY – Assessment to excise duty in respect of irregularity in the movement of duty suspended goods – whether irregularity occurred – if so whether irregularity occurred in the UK – Article 6 and Article 20 Council Directive 92/12/EEC – Regulation 3 Excise Duty Points (Duty Suspended Movements of Excise Goods) Regulations 2001- Article … Continue reading Cantina Levorato Srl v Revenue and Customs (Excise Duty – Assessment To Excise Duty In Respect of Irregularity In The Movement of Duty Suspended Goods): FTTTx 9 Dec 2021
Reference to Parliamentary Papers behind Statute The inspector sought to tax the benefits in kind received by teachers at a private school in having their children educated at the school for free. Having agreed this was a taxable emolument, it was argued as to whether the taxable benefit was the cost to the employer, or … Continue reading Pepper (Inspector of Taxes) v Hart: HL 26 Nov 1992
No Waiver for disclosure of Advice EAT PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE: Admissibility of evidence The claimant sought disclosure of certain legal advice on the basis that its effect, and a summary of its contents, had been put before the court and therefore privilege was waived. The Tribunal rejected the application and the EAT held that they … Continue reading Brennan and others v Sunderland City Council Unison GMB: EAT 16 Dec 2008
Solicitors were liable to mortgagees for mortgage monies which had been out by them paid in advance of the completion of the purchase which would allow the mortgagee’s loan to be charged. The basic liability of a trustee in breach of trust was not to pay damages, but to restore to the trust fund that … Continue reading Target Holdings Ltd v Redferns and Another: CA 24 Nov 1993
Banker’s Liability for Negligent Reference The appellants were advertising agents. They were liable themselves for advertising space taken for a client, and had sought a financial reference from the defendant bankers to the client. The reference was negligent, but the bankers denied any assumption of a duty of care to a third party when purely … Continue reading Hedley Byrne and Co Ltd v Heller and Partners Ltd: HL 28 May 1963
Rehearing/Review – Little Difference on Appeal The appellant asked the Court to reverse a decision on the facts reached in the lower court. Held: The appeal failed (Majority decision). The court’s approach should be the same whether the case was dealt with as a rehearing or as a review. Tanfern was limited to appeals from … Continue reading Assicurazioni Generali Spa v Arab Insurance Group (BSC): CA 13 Nov 2002
Legislation which created a clear anomaly can be interpreted so as to avoid the anomaly if the words used are sufficiently ambiguous as to allow an alternative construction.Neuberger J discussed the case of Marshall v Kerr, saying: ‘It appears to me that the observations of Peter Gibson J, approved by Lord Browne-Wilkinson, in Marshall indicate … Continue reading Jenks v Dickinson (Inspector of Taxes): ChD 16 Jun 1997
Refusal to permit making of late appeal. Applicant sought to appeal – under section 16 Finance Act 1994 – a decision under section 152(b) Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 refusing to restore vehicle seized under section 139(1) of that act as being liable to forfeiture under section 141(1)(a) of the act. Whether document sent … Continue reading Mozer v Revenue and Customs (Procedure : Other): FTTTx 13 Dec 2021
Excise and Customs Duty – importation of tobacco products – appeal against an assessment for Excise duty pursuant to s 12(1A) of Finance Act 1994 and Civil Evasion Penalties pursuant to Schedule 41 Finance Act 2008 – Regulation 13 of the Excise Goods (Holding Movement and Duty Point ) Regulations 2010 – meaning of ‘Holding’ … Continue reading Raczkowski v Revenue and Customs (Excise Duty Tobacco : Hand Rolling): FTTTx 14 Nov 2018
VAT – Input tax – Claim for recovery of input tax under-claimed between 1974 and 1997 – Quantification and substantiation of claim – Whether the First-tier Tribunal erred in refusing appeal because evidence insufficient to establish a ‘tolerably acceptable calculation’ – VATA 1994, section 83(1)(c) – Finance Act 2008, section 121 – appeal refused. [2015] … Continue reading Lothian NHS Health Board v Revenue and Customs: UTTC 28 May 2015
FTTTx VAT – HMRC’s refusal to register appellant for VAT – Definition of ‘taxable person’ – Finance Act 1972 and VAT Act 1994 – Compulsory Registration Threshold – Principal VAT Directive Article 286 – Whether United Kingdom enjoys a valid exemption or derogation in relation to the definition of taxable person? – Yes – Whether … Continue reading Geotrading Europe Ltd v Revenue and Customs (VAT – Registration : Compulsory): FTTTx 10 May 2016
The wife joined in a charge on the family home to secure her husband’s business borrowings. The husband was found to have misrepresented to her the effect of the deed, and the bank had been aware that she might be reluctant to sign the deed. Held: The charge was not to be enforced. The bank … Continue reading Barclays Bank Plc v O’Brien and Another: HL 21 Oct 1993
Wives had charged the family homes to secure their husband’s business borrowings, and now resisted possession orders, claiming undue influence. Held: Undue influence is an equitable protection created to undo the effect of excess influence of one person over the will of another, though it should not always be presumed to arise from the existence … Continue reading Royal Bank of Scotland v Etridge (No 2); Barclays Bank plc v Harris; Midland Bank plc v Wallace, etc: HL 11 Oct 2001
