WMCIU Latest News

Gaming Machines – VAT refunds:

Following a recent HMRC appeal in the Rank vs HMRC case where the appeal found in favour of Rank, those clubs who requested (back in 2006 initially) for their gaming machine VAT refunds to be stood behind this case should contact HMRC regarding Protective Assessments.  HMRC will be issuing these – in order to protect the refunds should a further appeal (not yet heard) find in their favour – in the near future.  It has been a long time coming, but hopefully clubs who used the Union’s guidance notes will receive these protective assessments soon.

Skill With Prizes Machines – the Government is to undertake a review of these type of machines over the coming months in order to ascertain clarification of those machines that require an element of skill rather than chance.  The Union will keep clubs updated.

Department for Communities and Local Government – Pubs and Clubs Minister:  Following the Union’s forthright views regarding this appointment the Government has broadened the Minister’s remit to include clubs.  In addition they have appointed Lord Turner of Bilston to head a review of all clubs in CORCA in order to identify where the DCLG and the DCMS can help keep clubs open.  Lord Turner has been involved in the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Non-Profit Making Members’ Clubs for many, many years and has been Joint Chairman, Treasurer and now Secretary of the Group during that time.  Dennis is well aware of the problems faced by our clubs and hopes to complete the review by the Summer.  CORCA and the CIU will be asked to give evidence to those involved in the review in the near future.

Don’t be taken in! – we have received a request here at Head Office for inclusion in a ‘city guide’ (on my desk this morning).  We would urge clubs to steer clear of this – if you sign you will be billed!!!  The same publication issued similar notices to clubs some years ago and many found, to their cost, that the guide is not widely issued in the UK at all and is of no real benefit to clubs.  We would recommend that you do not get involved.

Companies offering to buy your debt – this is another area where clubs are encouraged to pay a high administration charge to companies offering to ‘buy their lease’ from them, promising to reduce their monthly outgoings.  Clubs should note that all parties have to agree to any change in debt arrangements and we would not recommend that any such arrangement be entered into.