Dstl announces latest free IP opportunities

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Lower limb injuries from either purpose-designed mines or Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) are not always fatal but invariably life-altering. This technology uses a shaped metal ‘cup’ that covers the foot from heel to mid-sole. It can be sized to fit either over the shoe or as an insert and has been shown in blast trials to preserve the lower leg from traumatic amputation. Applicable to both the military and civilian sectors, particularly in areas of the world affected by legacy munitions, there is an opportunity to develop, design and manufacture a potentially low cost item of humanitarian benefit.

Andvari is a digital forensic assessment tool that uses statistical techniques and machine learning to increase the identification of data during digital forensic investigation. A probabilistic framework “learns” which data is of interest to an investigator, saving a significant amount of time compared to a random search. The technology is applicable to all fields of digital forensics in which metadata is analysed and prioritised, such as law enforcement and defence.

Technologies available through Easy Access IP are usually considered to be at low technical readiness for commercialisation. For Dstl the scheme provides a mechanism to release low technical readiness technology to those who may be able to develop it further. By offering the licences for free, Dstl hopes to build stronger relationships within industry and academia and see the technology potentially come to market and create an impact.

For more details visit Dstl’s Guidance to Intellectual Property

Published 16 October 2019




Treasury publishes Isle of Man VAT review

The Isle of Man Government has correctly implemented and administered UK and EU VAT law for aircraft and yachts but should implement additional post-registration compliance procedures to ensure that the right VAT continues to be collected, a review carried out by HM Treasury has found.

Following a series of allegations of VAT avoidance in late 2017, the Isle of Man Government invited HM Treasury to carry out a review of its VAT rules and procedures regarding aircraft and yacht importations.

The review, published today (16 October 2019), looked into the application of aircraft and yacht VAT rules in the Isle of Man and whether its rules and procedures enabled importation (e.g. by high net worth individuals) of private jets into the EU without paying the correct amount of VAT. Publication today concludes over a year of intensive investigation by VAT administration experts into this issue.

The report found that UK and EU VAT law had been correctly implemented in the Isle of Man and allegations of widespread VAT avoidance on aircraft and yachts were not upheld.

The report finds that the Isle of Man Government carries out extensive and effective compliance checks during VAT registration but should implement further compliance checks in the years after registration to ensure that the right amount of VAT continues to be collected. The Isle of Man Government has already started to implement improved compliance procedures in light of these recommendations.

The work carried out by HM Treasury has also highlighted the complexity in international VAT rules and the report notes that there may be merit in a wider review of these rules if EU member states and other jurisdictions deem that more tax should be collected on these activities.

In a statement, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Jesse Norman said:

This is a matter of considerable public importance, and the Isle of Man government rightly agreed to a full review.

I am pleased to confirm that the reviewers have found no evidence of widespread VAT avoidance. However, the Isle of Man government is taking action to improve its post-registration checks as a result of the review. My officials look forward to working closely with them to provide advice and guidance throughout the implementation and in the future.

The Isle of Man is a UK Crown Dependency and has sovereignty over its tax system but under the Isle of Man Act 1979, it must apply VAT rules in a very similar way to the UK. It is the responsibility of the Isle of Man to assure those rules.

The Isle of Man invited HM Treasury to carry out a review of its VAT procedures for aircraft and yachts following allegations made as part of the Paradise Papers leaks in November 2017. While the UK and Isle of Man are separate tax jurisdictions, the UK Government works closely with Isle of Man Customs and Excise and is happy to provide technical assistance when asked.

The review into the Isle of Man’s VAT procedures was one part of the UK’s response to the Paradise Papers.

Detailed work has been carried out on the published Paradise Papers data which revealed that less than 2% of the data released by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists relates to UK individuals or entities.

HMRC has reviewed over 300 corporate groups and individuals from its customer population who were identified in the documents. For approximately 80% of these, the structures identified have no UK tax consequences or were already known to HMRC.

For the remaining 20%, where new information is available, these are subject to ongoing examination by HMRC, who will take robust compliance action wherever appropriate.




Plant a tree seed and decorate a plant pot in Kendal with local artist

On Wednesday 23 October 2019, 1pm till 5.30pm, the Environment Agency opens the doors to its visitor centre at Westmorland shopping centre for a fun filled afternoon planting tree seeds and decorating plant pots which people can then take home, nurture and plant.

The event has kindly been supported by Homebase who are providing all the equipment, including the plant pots and compost the Tree Council, Kendal Conservation Volunteers and local artist, Lana Grindley, who will help people bring to life their decorative ideas.

Lana Grindley of Love Arts Workshops, said: “I’m delighted to be able to support the Environment Agency in hosting this family activity day – it’s a great way children, families and local people to get creative whilst giving back to nature.

“I really enjoy working alongside the local community and delivering creative workshops that get people’s creative juices flowing!

“It’s free to attend and I’m really looking forward to helping people get involved and also help the Environment Agency in their mission to plant more trees in Kendal.”

Stewart Mounsey, Environment Agency Flood Risk Manager for Cumbria, said: “We delighted to be able to host this half term event for youngsters, families and local people in Kendal and hope everyone has a fun day whilst helping our local environment.

“The Tree Council have kindly provided guidance which people can take home to help people plant and care for their tree and we hope it helps children learn about the importance of caring for our natural environment.

“We’d also love people’s thoughts and ideas to incorporate into our art strategy and work to improve public areas as part of the flood scheme.”

The proposed Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme will reduce the risk of flooding to 1,437 homes and 1,151 businesses across Kendal and surrounding areas to a 1% chance of flooding in any one year.

As with every project they undertake, the Environment Agency also strive to improve our environment – and as well as delivering a flood risk management scheme, in Kendal, they will be restoring vital habitat, bringing nature back to certain areas, improving public spaces and access in the town, as well as looking at ways to incorporate community art into the scheme.

The visitor centre is based in The Fell Tarn shop, 1st floor, Westmorland Shopping Centre, Kendal, where you can also find out the latest information about the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme:

  • Our plans and timescales
  • Scheme overview aesthetics and finishes (including samples of flood walls and glass panels)
  • Kendal public realm/art strategy (which is where we are planning on adding art into the scheme and improving public areas)
  • Environmental enhancements we are including as part of the project, mitigation throughout construction and tree planting
  • Property level flood resilience and resistance (individual property level protection)

Here there is an opportunity for the public to feedback their thoughts and comments on the detailed designs to the project team and find out more about steps individuals can do to better protect their families and homes.

As well as talking to the project team at the visitor’s centre, you can also email the project team with thoughts and ideas at KendalFRMS@environment-agency.gov.uk.

The Environment Agency is continuing with ground investigation, environmental studies and survey work for all three phases of the scheme, with main construction of the scheme starting in early 2020.

The project is receiving £5.34 million of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Department for Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for ERDF. Established by the European Union ERDF funds help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding




Policing Minister honours volunteers at Lord Ferrers awards

Police volunteers who have supported victims of domestic abuse, challenged mental health stigmas and helped tackle modern slavery were honoured at an awards ceremony yesterday.

The Lord Ferrers Awards – which is in its 26th year – celebrates the contributions of Police Support Volunteers, Special Constables, Volunteer Police Cadets, and volunteers supporting the work of Police and Crime Commissioners.

Winners received awards across ten categories at the ceremony at Lancaster House in London, attended by the Minister for Crime, Policing and the Fire Service Kit Malthouse.

Minister for Crime, Policing and the Fire Service Kit Malthouse said:

Volunteers are highly valued members of the policing family.

They bring different skills to the police service and give up their time to serve the public and help protect their communities.

This year’s winners do a remarkable job, whether it is inspiring more women and ethnic minorities to join the police, supporting the vulnerable or making our streets safer.

Former BBC News presenter Sir Martyn Lewis hosted the event.

The winners are:

Ferrers Special Constabulary – Individual Award: Olaniyi Opaleye, Kent Police

Olaniyi Opaleye has served in Dartford for more than 20 years, connecting the police with churches, mosques, communities and inspiring others from under represented backgrounds to join the police.

Ferrers Special Constabulary – Team Award: Central Motorway Police Group, West Midlands Police and Staffordshire Police

The Central Motorway Police Group have assisted in the arrests of 700 people involved in vehicle crime thieves and have been supported the seizure of millions of pounds worth of stolen property, cash and drugs.

Ferrers Special Constabulary – Leadership Award: Laura Hart, Merseyside Police

Laura is the most senior female volunteer in Merseyside Police. She has led female officers on patrol and held conferences to increase the representation of women across the Special Constabulary.

Ferrers Volunteer Police Cadet – Individual Award: Hasan Hussain, West Midlands Police

Hasan has educated children about the life of Stephen Lawrence and passed down his legacy to the next generation by planting a tree in his memory.

Ferrers Volunteer Police Cadet – Team Award: Eden Valley Cadets, Cumbria Constabulary

The Eden Valley cadets have encouraged their community to talk about mental health with banners across the entire county. Starting in a small town, the team won the backing of a local charity, enabling them to have banners in every major town in Cumbria.

Ferrers Police Support Volunteer – Individual Award: Claire Hopkins, Avon and Somerset Constabulary

Claire has applied her unique understanding of modern slavery to produce a new template for frontline officers. This document has helped Avon and Somerset Constabulary identify more victims of modern slavery.

Ferrers Police Support Volunteer – Team Award: Streetwatch, Northamptonshire Police

Streetwatch is on patrol twice a week in Wellingborough to tackle fly tipping, car theft, drug dealing, burglary and anti-social behaviour. They also lead monthly litter picks which take more than 100 bags of rubbish off the streets.

Ferrers Employer Supported Policing Award – Fast Stream, Metropolitan Police

The Civil Service Fast Stream provides 15 days’ paid special leave each year for Special Constables’ training and duties and recognises the transferable skills it brings to the Civil Service.

Ferrers Technical Innovation Award – Greg Stevenson, Lincolnshire Police

Greg has used his skills and expertise to ensure Lincolnshire officers can capture and preserve digital evidence on the front line by developing a bespoke policing app for android phones.

Offices of Police and Crime Commissioners – Volunteer Individual or Team Award: Strive Volunteers, Greater Manchester Police

Strive Volunteers work with victims of domestic abuse across Manchester, visiting homes to support families at an early stage. They work in a non-judgemental way to tackle the root causes of conflict. They have made over 3000 contacts and have supported 840 individuals and families.




Over £50 million in charitable funds accounted for after action by regulator

The Charity Commission has today published the results of its pre-inquiry and class inquiry work into charities that failed to file financial information with the regulator for 2 or more years in the last 5 years.

The ‘double defaulter’ inquiry has resulted in a total of £51,615,231 of charitable income being accounted for, and 97 charities addressing their failure to file and submit their outstanding annual documents.

The inquiry used information gathering powers 51 times to obtain bank records and financial information of the charities. In 2 cases, the inquiry identified wider governance concerns and opened separate inquiries.

Investigators provided charities with regulatory advice and guidance about the trustees’ legal duties to file important financial information. The exercise revealed 28 charities had ceased to exist or do not operate, and have therefore been removed from the register of charities.

Amy Spiller, Head of Investigations Team at the Charity Commission said:

I am pleased that our intervention has resulted in charities putting right their default, and that we have been able to account for significant sums which charities can use to do good and make people’s lives better.

Generous donors have a right to be able to see clearly how their money is being spent, and be assured that they are going to their intended causes. This inquiry should serve as a reminder to all charities of the need to comply with their important legal duties, or inform us if they are no longer operating.

We are committed to informing public choice about charities. Charities must lead the way here and evidence how they are delivering on their charitable mission and purpose through financial information that they make available. This is vital if charities are to meet legitimate public expectations around transparency and accountability.

The full report is available on GOV.UK.

Ends

Notes to editors:

  1. All registered charities must provide financial information annually to the Charity Commission. More information on the requirements for different charities are set out in the [report].
  2. The Charity Commission is the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales. To find out more about our work read the about us page on GOV.UK.