News & Views

NotW Hacking suspect convicted.

A man at the centre of allegations that computers were hacked for the News of the World has been convicted of conspiring to illegally access private information for profit.

Until Monday legal restrictions meant that what is known about Philip Campbell Smith's alleged involvement in computer hacking could not be reported.

Smith is alleged to have hacked the computer of a former British army intelligence officer in 2006 as part of a commission from the News of the World. In a tape recording, Smith says he was in contact with Andy Coulson, the former News of the World editor who went on to become David Cameron's director of communications. Smith also claimed Coulson was in his mobile phone directory.

To read more please click the link below:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/feb/20/news-world-hacking-suspect-conspiracy?newsfeed=true%3C

Bailiff industry changes proposed by Ministry of Justice

Changes to laws governing bailiffs in England and Wales, such as the creation of a code of conduct, are being proposed by the Ministry of Justice.

Justice Minister Jonathan Djanogly told the BBC clarity was needed about what bailiffs were legally allowed to do and how people could report wrongdoing.

The proposals would include a ban on the use of force, and detail what items bailiffs not cannot take from homes.

There is more on this story at:-

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17070550

Crackdown on 'phoenix' companies put on hold for 'Urgent Review'

Legislation to improve the process for 'pre-pack' insolvencies, where firms about to collapse can be restructured and sold, has been put on hold while an "urgent review" takes place. The new laws, which were supposed to be introduced in April 2012, were designed to increase transparency and confidence in the pre-pack process, and clamp down on 'phoenix' companies that collapse and start trading again under another name while leaving former creditors unpaid. The FPB urged the Government not to delay the legislation, and to revisit earlier proposals in order to better protect creditors.

There is more on this story by clicking here

New guide published to help small firms get paid on time

A new Government-backed guide for small businesses containing advice on getting paid on time has been published by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). BIS is continuing its campaign to encourage small enterprises to agree payment terms before delivering orders, sign up to the Prompt Payment Code, raise complaints over late payment and use electronic invoicing where possible. The new measures follow the launch of the Finance Fitness campaign last year, which provides small firms with advice, guidance and redress if they are paid late.

There is more on this story at:

http://www.bis.gov.uk/news/topstories/2012/Feb/Government-and-business-press-for-prompt-payment

Cheques do not expire after 6 months

Cheques do not necessary expire after 6 months, the 'life' of a cheque is at the discretion of the Bank, it could be up to 6 years. There is sometimes notification of an expiry period on the cheque and normally this is no longer than a year. But if this is not detailed then a cheque could be cashed at any point within 6 years of its date. It maybe common banking practice to reject cheques over 6 months old but don't assume cheques in excess of 6 months old are rejected on presentation, the only certain way to cancel a cheque is to request that your Bank place a 'stop' on it.