Personal Blogs

Proposals postponed back to 2026

The European Commission is considering a second delay to the landmark EUDR with enforcement possibly postponed to 30 Dec 2026.

Originally set for 2024, the law targets deforestation-linked goods like soy, palm oil, beef, wood & cocoa. Businesses trading with the EU must prove their products are deforestation-free and legally sourced.

Why the delay?

The latest proposed EUDR delay isn’t about policy, it is about infrastructure.

The EU’s central IT system critical for due diligence reporting is nott ready to handle the data volumes. Without it, enforcement could choke global trade.

The rules are not changing:
I. Covered goods must still be deforestation-free
II. Due diligence statements still required
III. Penalties: up to 4% of annual EU turnover

Protect Forests -Preserve Life - Power the Future

What You Need to Know

Starting 19th September 2025, important banking changes will be introduced for customers aged 65 and over. These changes will affect how much cash people can withdraw, both daily and weekly and will include new limits and requirements for in-branch transactions. Here is a breakdown of what you need to know about the upcoming changes, the concerns they raise, and the alternatives available for pensioners who may need to make larger withdrawals.

Overall Conclusion

While these banking changes are designed to protect older people, they raise valid concerns about accessibility and independence. It is important that banks offer clear communication and support to people over sixty five, ensuring they understand how to navigate new rules and explore alternative payment methods. By planning ahead and taking advantage of available resources, people can continue to manage finances in a safe and secure manner despite the new limitations.

Cash Matters - Access Freedom - Maintain Control

What You Need to Know

Starting 19th September 2025, important banking changes will be introduced for customers aged 65 and over. These changes will affect how much cash people can withdraw, both daily and weekly and will include new limits and requirements for in-branch transactions. Here is a breakdown of what you need to know about the upcoming changes, the concerns they raise, and the alternatives available for pensioners who may need to make larger withdrawals.

What Should You Do?

If you are affected by these changes, it is important to take proactive steps:

I. Check with Your Bank: Make sure you understand your bank’s specific limits and procedures regarding cash withdrawals, especially if you regularly need larger sums.

II. Plan Ahead: If you anticipate needing more than the £500 daily or £2,000 weekly limit, consider giving your bank advance notice.

III. Consider Alternatives: Look into using safer alternatives like bank drafts, cheques, or even digital payments for larger purchases.

Iv. Attend Support Sessions: Many banks offer support to help customers transition to online or mobile banking. This could be a great opportunity to learn about new ways to manage your finances.

V. Report Scams: Be vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. Never feel pressured into withdrawing money on demand, and always double-check any requests.

Cash Matters - Access Freedom - Maintain Control

What You Need to Know

Starting 19th September 2025, important banking changes will be introduced for customers aged 65 and over. These changes will affect how much cash people can withdraw, both daily and weekly and will include new limits and requirements for in-branch transactions. Here is a breakdown of what you need to know about the upcoming changes, the concerns they raise, and the alternatives available for pensioners who may need to make larger withdrawals.

Key Changes for People Over 65

I. Daily Cash Withdrawal Limit
People aged 65 and older will face a £500 daily withdrawal limit. This means they will no longer be able to withdraw more than this amount in cash in a single day from ATMs or at the bank.

II. Weekly Cash Withdrawal Limit
There will be a £2,000 weekly cap for cash withdrawals. Any request for cash withdrawals exceeding this amount will likely require additional checks, which may include proving the purpose of the withdrawal or providing advance notice to the bank.

III. ATM Limits
ATM machines may also have restrictions, with some limiting withdrawals to £250 per transaction for people over 65, even if their daily limit is higher.

IV. Branch Withdrawals
For any request above the £2,000 weekly limit, People may need to give advance notice (24 to 48 hours) and could be asked to show proof of the purpose for the withdrawal, such as home renovations or travel expenses.

Concerns Raised by These Changes

These new rules have raised several concerns, particularly among older adults who rely on cash for day-to-day expenses. The main issues include:

I. Heavy Cash Users: Some people still prefer paying bills in cash or withdrawing large sums for significant purchases such as home improvements, travel, or emergency needs.

II. Rural Communities: People living in rural areas with fewer banking options may find it more difficult to manage their withdrawals, especially if ATMs or branches are not easily accessible.

III. Lack of Digital Banking: Many older people do not use online banking or digital payment methods and are uncomfortable with new technology, leaving them dependent on cash.

Cash Matters - Access Freedom - Maintain Control

I. What is a Relevant Sub-contractual Arrangement?

A relevant sub-contractual arrangement exists when a registered provider partners with another entity to deliver higher education [HE] courses, and: Students hold contracts with the registered provider, But the provider delivers fifty percent or less of the course delivery hours. Courses falling under this definition are "relevant sub-contractual courses" and if there are a hundred plus full-time equivalent [FTE] students across them, new OfS regulatory conditions will apply. 

II. Why It Matters: Recruitment, Risk & Regulation

The OfS is concerned about risks during recruitment and admissions under sub-contracting models. Interestingly, it proposes: Proactive compliance where there is a "material likelihood" of crossing the hundred plus full-time equivalent threshold, even before students are enrolled. Powers to intervene if arrangements pose risks to students or taxpayers. These rules would apply from a set point in the planning cycle, not just after courses begin. Existing qualifying arrangements will not be grandfathered in, they will fall under the new condition from day one of its implementation [expected 2026]. 

Exclusions, Expectations & Next Steps

Some arrangements are excluded, including those with: State-funded schools, further education/sixth form colleges, National Health Service providers, local authorities, or UK degree-awarding bodies; Courses delivered entirely outside the UK, or online courses for students living overseas. Still, other regulatory and legal duties [for example: quality, governance, consumer law] continue to apply. With the OfS expecting providers to act immediately, including setting up oversight mechanisms and data systems within four weeks of the condition coming into force. Early readiness will be critical.

Partner Smart - Plan Ahead - Protect Outcomes

Seems obvious, right?

You buy a house, put it in your name, and live your life. But levelled up people do it different. Want to know why?

Who really owns it?

On paper not them.

The house is in a trust, company structure, or even ab offshore company.

Why go through all the trouble?

Reason four: Financial leverage

I. These setups allow you to borrow against the house, move ownership and minimise tax triggers

All behind a curtain!

Simplify Asset Transfer - Protect Personal Assets - Maximise Tax Benefits

Seems obvious, right?

You buy a house, put it in your name, and live your life. But levelled up people do it different. Want to know why?

Who really owns it?

On paper not them.

The house is in a trust, company structure, or even ab offshore company.

Why go through all the trouble?

Reason two: Bulletproof protection

I. If they get sued... the house stays untouched

Why? Because legally they do not own it.

Let that sink in!

Simplify Asset Transfer - Protect Personal Assets - Maximise Tax Benefits

I. Seems obvious, right?

You buy a house, put it in your name, and live your life. But levelled up people do it different. Want to know why?

II. Who really owns it?

On paper not them.

The house is in a trust, company structure, or even ab offshore company.

III. Why go through all the trouble?

Simplify Asset Transfer - Protect Personal Assets - Maximise Tax Benefits

Price Transparency: CMA Draft Guidance under the DMCCA 

I. Following the commencement of the consumer provisions of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 [DMCCA] on 6 April 2025, the Competition and Markets Authority [CMA] has published draft guidance on price transparency. A public consultation is open until 13 September 2025, with finalised guidance expected later in the year.

II. This follows concerns raised over the Competition and Markets Authority’s earlier guidance on unfair commercial practices [published December 2024 and finalised April 2025], which was seen as creating uncertainty around the interpretation of pricing-related provisions particularly drip pricing. In response, the Competition and Markets Authority committed to issuing standalone guidance to provide greater clarity.

Key Legal Points

III. Invitation to Purchase [ITP]:
An Invitation to Purchase is any communication that includes a product and its price such as advertising, listings, and/or price tags. It does not require a direct purchase mechanism. Multiple Invitation to Purchases may occur during a consumer journey, and each must comply with the information requirements.

IV. Required Content of an ITP:

• Pricing must be accurate, non-misleading, and realistically attainable.
• The total price, inclusive of all mandatory fees, charges, and taxes, must be stated.
• Where elements of the price cannot be calculated in advance, a clear explanation of the calculation method must be provided with equal prominence to calculable elements.
• Pricing must be presented clearly, prominently, and at the appropriate stage of the transaction.

V. Mandatory vs Optional Charges:

• Charges are mandatory where the product cannot be purchased without them [for illustration admin fees, delivery, local taxes, transaction fees].
• Delivery fees are considered mandatory even where multiple options are offered; only the lowest-cost option needs to be shown in the headline price unless a more expensive option is chosen.
• Optional charges may still require inclusion in the total price where it is reasonably foreseeable that the majority of consumers will incur them.

VI. Prohibited Practices:

• Drip pricing: where additional mandatory charges are revealed only later in the process is not permitted.
• Partitioned pricing: presenting prices in parts without a total is generally prohibited unless the total cannot be reasonably calculated in advance. Any pre determinable portion must still be disclosed upfront.

VII. Enforcement Considerations

Although the substantive requirements largely mirror those under the former Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, the DMCCA grants the CMA enhanced enforcement powers, including the ability to impose civil penalties of up to 10% of global turnover without recourse to court proceedings. Businesses should undertake a thorough review of their pricing structures and advertising practices to ensure full compliance with the evolving regime.

Clear Costs - Informed Choices - Compliant Contracts

I. Declaring low income while living large can trigger questions about how you are funding your lifestyle

II. Reporting tiny profits or constant losses makes HMRC question whether your business is genuine

III. Claiming high expenses for things like travel or home office can look suspicious if they are not justified

IV. If your income does not match your stripe, paypal, or Airbnb reports, HMRC are likely tfo spot the gap

V. Filling late returns or keeping messy books makes you an easy target for any investigation

VI. Working in trades, salons, or other cash heavy industries puts you under extra HMRC scrutiny

Stay Compliant - Stay Confident - Stay in Control

Since May 2025 there have been new anti money laundering checks. Previously these were responsibility of letting agents, now they are the responsibility of landlords, regardless of property values.

What are the changes?

I. Landlords must conduct annual sanction checks upon both yourself and tenants. to ensure both parties are not listed on any of the governments sanctioned lists.

II. If you have a let only property through an agent but manage the property yourself it remains unclear who holds AML responsibility.

III. Record Keeping: you must keep records of all AML checks and actions taken. non compliance may include hefty fines and even possible imprisonment. It is important you stay vigilant and aware to ensure you meet all your AML requirements for yourself and tenants.

Know Your Tenants - Secure Your Investments

[Educational purposes only]

I. What is a VPN?

A VPN stands for Virtual Private Network.

II. What does a VPN do?

It hides your Internet Provider [IP] address and encrypts your internet traffic.

In plain, it makes it harder for anyone including your internet provider, apps, or government to see what you are doing online. [think China or North Korean citizens accessing websites that their governments have banned]

III. Without your data they lose:

Ad revenue, tracking power, censorship control. They cannot watch what they cannot see.

IV. what could a VPN be used for?

Access blocked websites, bypass regional content restrictions, hide from mass surveillance, use public wi-fi without getting tracked...

V. How could you use a VPN?

First download a trusted VPN [Proton, Mullvad, etc...]

Connect to a server [ideally outside your own country]

Browse like you are nobodies business, because it is of the opinion that it is nobodies business.

[Educational purposes only]