5 2


‘Counsellors have a strong case to challenge HMRC’


Lee Hayhurst lee.hayhurst@travelweekly.co.uk


A former Travel Counsellors agent facing a £13,000 tax bill is confident agents have a strong case to challenge claims from HM Revenue & Customs.


Jack Leaf, who left Travel Counsellors last November to set up Destiny Travel, says he is “surprised” counsellors’ eligibility for the VAT Flat Rate Scheme is being challenged. HMRC claims Travel Counsellors


exerts a “dominant influence” over its agents, making them ineligible for a 10.5% VAT rate, instead of the standard 20%, and liable for back payments for up to four years. But Leaf, who heard about the scheme through fellow counsellors before joining in 2012, disputed this. “Travel Counsellors refrained from giving financial or accounting advice,” he said. “Certainly they did not dominate in that way. “Being dominant implies the


success of my business depended on them. If so, how have I been


Jack Leaf: ‘panicked’ when letter arrived


able to leave, with all my clients, and work elsewhere?” VAT-registered firms apply to join the Flat Rate Scheme, which allows them to pay a reduced rate, but not reclaim the tax on purchases.


Leaf said he “panicked” when


he received an HMRC Compliance Check letter on June 6 giving him just three weeks to respond. However, he said a date of


September 2 had now been agreed to allow further consultation. “The letter arrived without


warning so I got straight on to my accountant,” he said. “I’ve no idea what triggered it.” Leaf, who contacted Travel


Weekly after we revealed the HMRC dispute last week, said: “If the ruling is we were not eligible, I will swallow it. Nonetheless, it’s concerning that someone can come along and say money you’ve put aside for your future is not yours.” Travel Counsellors said last


week it could not comment on an issue relating to individual agents’ businesses but it was providing support.


3


Thomas Cook agents in Portadown collect for Aundrea (inset)


STORIES HOT


Aundrea’s Army needs your help


Hollie-Rae Merrick hollie@travelweekly.co.uk


The industry has been urged to rally behind a Thomas Cook agent who needs urgent medical treatment after being diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer.


Staff and customers across Thomas Cook’s 25 shops in Northern Ireland have contributed towards the £22,000 raised for 42-year-old mum-of-two Aundrea Bannatyne after she was told she had just six to 12 months to live. Doctors failed to diagnose the tumour until her seventh visit to A&E on July 8. Bannatyne, who is a cluster manager for Thomas Cook’s Bangor and Newtownards stores and has worked for the company for 21 years, needs to raise up to £100,000 to pay for treatment in England that could potentially prolong her life. The treatment isn’t available in Northern Ireland. Bannatyne only has access to chemotherapy. Her colleague Nicola Allison,


also a cluster manager, has issued a clarion call for the travel trade to join ‘Aundrea’s Army’ and help raise funds. Allison said: “It’s been a challenging time but Aundrea wouldn’t want us to get upset. We are using that energy to push harder to fundraise. “Aundrea is a very caring, funny


woman. She’s the life and soul of the party and offers advice and support to lots of people – now we’re doing that for her. “Aundrea is extremely well


known in the Northern Ireland travel trade and so many agents from other multiples and independents have been in contact offering support with events and donating. Suppliers have also been very supportive. “Aundrea is blown away by the support we’ve had. Any donations will be greatly appreciated.” Among the fundraising activities being organised are sponsored waxathons, charity boxing matches, walking challenges, mud


runs and a tandem skydive. › To donate to Aundrea’s fund, visit gofundme.com/2gtranmq


11 August 2016 travelweekly.co.uk 5


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