Final Pay Control Charges (FPCC) are fees that a local government pension scheme can charge an employer if an employee’s salary rises a lot in the final years leading up to retirement which boosted that employees pension under certain circumstances.
One of our clients was recently issued with a significant charge.
After a detailed review and a strong challenge by our experts, we had the final pay control charge extinguished, saving our client £71,000.
If you have had issues with a final pay control charge, feel free to contact us for support.
Yesterday, Katy Drew delivered an insightful webinar on the newly announced 2026/27 GP contract, exploring the key funding changes and what they mean for practices.
During the session, Katy highlighted a number of important updates, including the replacement of PCN-level Capacity and Access payments with a practice-level GP reimbursement scheme.
This shift may have cash flow implications, as practices that previously received monthly Capacity and Access payments will now need to submit claims for reimbursement, potentially leading to delays in payment.
She also explained that Advice and Guidance payments have now been incorporated into core funding, changing how this income is received and managed.
While the contract assumes an initial 2.5% pay uplift, increasing cost pressures remain a concern. The 4.1% rise in the National Minimum Wage, alongside the DDRB’s recommended 3.5% pay increase, is expected to drive a rise in overall monthly wage bills.
These changes—and what they mean for practices—will be explored further in upcoming discussions.
This week Tony Martin, alongside Rebecca Reynard of GP Surveyors, recently hosted a webinar on Succession Planning, GP Property & Accountancy Essentials, covering a range of key topics relevant to GP partners and practice stakeholders.
The session explored:
🔹 Market Valuations
How GP properties are valued, with a focus on NHS-backed income streams, lease structures and market factors.
🔹 Financing Property Buy-ins
Key considerations for incoming partners, including funding options and lender requirements.
🔹 Putting a Lease in Place
An overview of lease types, key terms and the importance of securing NHS approvals.
🔹 Expense Responsibilities
Understanding obligations around repairs and maintenance, service charges and dilapidations.
🔹 Sale and Leaseback
What it involves, when it may be appropriate, and how it can be used to support succession planning.
🔹 Financial & Tax Considerations
Including the release of equity, repayment of existing mortgages, Capital Gains Tax and Business Asset Disposal Relief.
The webinar provided practical insights into the complexities of GP property ownership and highlighted the importance of careful planning and expert advice when navigating succession.
Big news. Bigger changes. 💡
Our Making Tax Digital leads Harry Palmer-Brown and Naila Anwar have had a busy February supporting British Medical Association members!
First, on 13th February, they headed to BMA Headquarters in London to deliver an in-person presentation on Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. Then, on 24th February, they took to the virtual stage for not one but two webinars for BMA members across the country.
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is quite simply the most significant shake-up to the UK tax system in 30 years.
They covered:
✅ What MTD for Income Tax is and who it affects
✅ Key deadlines you can't afford to miss
✅ Practical steps to get MTD-ready
✅ Exemptions
✅ What it means specifically for doctors and healthcare professionals, including the benefits
The feedback was fantastic and the questions showed just how much confusion and concern is out there around this change.
If you'd like the same clarity and confidence our BMA attendees walked away with, we're here to help.
To learn more about the BMA, click the link here Join the BMA
📩 Drop us an email or give us a call to find out more.
The Chancellor announced his Spring 2024 Budget, no doubt with one eye on the upcoming General Election. He did not announce any major policy changes, leading to speculation that there may be a further mini-Budget before voting day. Time will tell if any significant tax changes are announced in the coming months, but Alec James meanwhile provides a summary of the key points from Jeremy Hunt’s latest address at the dispatch box
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Beware of triggering hidden taxes
Company Cars and The NHS Fleet Scheme
Many doctors will have heard of company cars or the NHS fleet scheme. Both are very similar.
The difference is that company car costs are a deduction against your company profits, whereas the NHS fleet scheme costs are a deduction against your pensionable and taxable income from your NHS employment income.
To cover the personal use of the vehicles, the taxpayer with use of the vehicle is required to pay tax on the benefit-in-kind value of using the car.
This is calculated by taking the list price of the vehicle multiplied by a percentage which is based on the CO2 emissions of a vehicle and the fuel the vehicles use.
These schemes became popular when HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) reduced the benefit-in-kind rates on fully electric vehicles to 0% in April 2020. They are currently 2% of the list price of the car.
This results in very minimal tax being due on the benefit in kind but significant tax savings for the deduction of the costs of the car. More...
We are thrilled to announce our latest senior appointment here at Sandison Easson.
Tony Martin is a Chartered Certified Accountant and joins our team in a senior role as an Associate having previously worked in a senior position at another firm of Specialist Medical Accountants.
Tony brings with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise and has helped many GP Practices, Primary Care Networks and individual clients over the years. He specialises in helping clients to fully understand their taxes and how to run a successful medical practice.
In his role at Sandison Easson, Tony will focus on maximising our client engagement seeing new and existing clients.
Please join us in welcoming Tony to the Sandison Easson family. We look forward to achieving great things together.
Visit sandisoneasson.co.uk or call 01625 527 351 to learn more about our services.
As you approach retirement, and even before, you will likely need to consider what will happen to your private practice when you retire. Can you sell it? Who could buy it?
Alec James, Partner, looks at ways your private practice could be sold, ways of improving the business viability for someone purchasing the business and alternative options to selling
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2023 was a significant year heralding change for the country’s finances – and yours. In this year before the next general election, there were key changes around pensions and other measures that benefit doctors – but some changes that have not.
Partner, Ian Tongue, highlights what doctors with a private practice business need to know for the year ahead
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