The law of (un)intended consequences
The restrictions on the use of ADS for 'business' purposes are really starting to bite.
And not where I expected.
A local group of volunteers regularly attend meetings on the mainland, for a charitable body in which they participate. As it is a large organisation and people are travelling from all over Scotland, a staff member at the HQ makes the bookings.
Not any more. An attempt to book the plane for the group of local volunteers was refused on the grounds that it was "business travel".
The suggestion from the ADS team - that the individuals book their "business travel" personally, and then it wouldn't be rejected. Quite apart from having to carry the cost, and the hassle factor of doing so, they are effectively being told by the regulator to lie when buying their tickets.
Just in what warped definition of "business" does a not for profit charitable organisation become excluded through the regulations that were sneaked in just before the election?
Hark: is that the sound of the MSP or MP standing up for their constituents?
And not where I expected.
A local group of volunteers regularly attend meetings on the mainland, for a charitable body in which they participate. As it is a large organisation and people are travelling from all over Scotland, a staff member at the HQ makes the bookings.
Not any more. An attempt to book the plane for the group of local volunteers was refused on the grounds that it was "business travel".
The suggestion from the ADS team - that the individuals book their "business travel" personally, and then it wouldn't be rejected. Quite apart from having to carry the cost, and the hassle factor of doing so, they are effectively being told by the regulator to lie when buying their tickets.
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| "You will not dissent without my permission" |
Hark: is that the sound of the MSP or MP standing up for their constituents?
4 comments:
So Angus, I'm self employed, what's the craic with showing flights on your business account when you do the end of year accounts, and the tax man will see you used ADS? (sorry for trying to sneak some free advice)
The taxman isn't interested in ADS so no issue there. However, if you were removed from the ADS scheme and you tried to claim there was no business element and you had put the expenses through your business then you might be in trouble with ADS.
But surely it will never get that far - will it?
I am also concerned about this however, I am not going to ask any questions.
If the person on the ADS line said to book the travel individually then that is very good news. Common sense even??
In the ideal world the ADS would be for all, regardless of purpose of travel. Maybe our SNP MP/MSP can do something useful one this one. Or maybe not.
I don't quite understand why our small and fragile businesses do not qualify. Surely if they are going away to try to generate more income for the Islands then that should be considered a good thing?
The grants system has all but dried up, is this not one thing that we should all benefit from. I agree that the large public sector organisations shouldn't benefit but I don't think that they have for some time.
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