As part of its move to reduce ‘red tape’ and aid business growth, the government has announced plans to remove the requirement for companies to include a directors’ report as part of their annual accounts.
Micro-entities are already exempted from the requirement to include a directors’ report in their accounts; however, it is intended that the requirement will be removed for all companies. It is estimated that this will affect approximately 440,000 companies.
Medium-sized private companies will also be exempted from the requirement to prepare a strategic report as part of their annual report and accounts.
Wholly-owned subsidiaries will also be exempted from preparing a strategic report, provided their disclosures are included in the UK parent company’s annual report and accounts.
Estimates suggest that these changes could save UK businesses in the region of £230 million each year, and legislation to bring about these changes will be introduced as soon as possible.
HMRC are reminding businesses about two difficult payment deadlines.
The government-established Office of the Small Business Commissioner (OSBC) has been publicising its Small Business Plan that offers tailored funding to smaller businesses.