1.8 million couples benefitting from extra tax relief

NEARLY 1.8 million married couples and those in civil partnerships are using Marriage Allowance to save up to ₤252 a year in Income Tax, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced. Summer has always been a popular season for weddings, and newly married couples or those in civil partnerships could be eligible for the tax saving. And even if they have been married for years, a change in circumstances could also mean they are newly eligible. Marriage Allowance allows married couples or those in civil partnerships to share their personal tax allowances if 1 partner earns an income under their Personal Allowance threshold of ₤12,570 and the other is a basic rate taxpayer. They can transfer 10% of their tax free allowance to their partner, which is ₤1,260 in 2021/22. It means couples can reduce the tax they pay by up to ₤252 a year. Couples can backdate their claims for any of the four previous tax years, which could be worth up to a total of ₤1,220. It is free to apply for Marriage Allowance and the easiest way for taxpayers to check eligibility and make a claim to receive 100% of the relief they are entitled to is via:- Gov.UK.

Angela MacDonald, HMRC's Deputy Chief Executive and Second Permanent Secretary, said:- "Marriage Allowance lets eligible couples share their Personal Allowances and reduce their tax by up to ₤252 a year. Nearly 1.8 million couples are already using the service; it is free, quick and easy to apply, just search 'marriage allowance' on Gov.UK."

Married couples may have experienced a change in their circumstances which could now mean they are eligible for Marriage Allowance, including:-

► A recent marriage or civil partnership.

► 1 partner has retired and the other remains working.

► A change in employment due to Covid19.

► A reduction in working hours which means their earnings fall below their Personal Allowance.

► Unpaid leave or a career break.

► 1 partner is studying or in education and not earning above their Personal Allowance.

If a spouse or civil partner has died since 5 April 2017, the surviving person can still claim by contacting the Income Tax helpline. Marriage Allowance claims are automatically renewed every year. However, couples should notify HMRC if their circumstances change.

Dog owners reminded of their responsibilities in Sefton's outdoor spaces as pet ownership rises

SEFTON Council is encouraging dog owners, whether they've just become pet parents or have always enjoyed the company of their 4 legged friends, to familiarise themselves with their responsibilities under the Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). The measures, aimed at promoting responsible dog ownership and ensuring streets and parks are safe, clean places for all, were approved by the Council, at the end of April 2021. Failure to comply could see owners issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of ₤75 by Civil Enforcement Officers monitoring Sefton's parks and highways. The Order has been reintroduced at a time when national statistics show that 3.2 million households in the UK acquired a pet during the pandemic. That means there are now 34 million pets in the UK including 12 million dogs who need to be walked and exercised in public outdoors spaces. The summer months also see higher visitor numbers across Sefton's parks, including those who bring their dogs with them, and can sometimes result in an increase in reports of dog mess. Sefton Council is advising people to make sure they know their responsibilities as dog owners when using its beautiful outdoor spaces during this time, whether they are a resident or a visitor. As well as it still being an offence to not remove dog fouling, the PSPO:-

► Restricts the number of dogs that can be walked by 1 person to a maximum of 6.

► Prohibits dogs from entering enclosed playgrounds and fenced sports pitches, including multi use game sport facilities.

► Prohibits dogs from entering marked sports pitches during specified periods.

► Ensures dogs are kept on a lead of no more than 2m within defined picnic sites and family areas, all A & B roads and footways and all cemeteries and crematoria.

► Allows Authorised Officers to direct a dog owner to place their dog on a lead to prevent a nuisance or behaviour likely to cause annoyance or disturbance to others.

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Cabinet Member for Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services, said:- "We know that dog owners get so much joy from their pets and here in Sefton we have some absolutely stunning places for them to spend time outdoors, to take vital exercise with their beloved pooches. As a Local Authority we want our residents and visitors to the Borough to enjoy walking their pets here. All we ask in return is for them to take note of the areas where dogs need to be kept on a lead or where they can't be walked, and to clear up after their pets. This ensures that dogs and humans can utilise these spaces in harmony while promoting a cleaner and greener environment which everyone can enjoy."

Existing signage across the Council's parks, playgrounds and picnic areas has been reviewed and is being updated where needed. New lamppost stickers and further signage is also being placed across the Borough to ensure people are aware of the Order.

Cllr Lappin added:- "Most dog owners across the Borough already understand and do most of the things in the Order anyway, it's a small minority who flout the rules and should expect to face a fine from our Enforcement Officers if they continue to ignore the clear responsibilities required of them.�

Further detail about the PSPO can be found on the Council's website at:- Sefton.Gov.UK/Dogs

1.8 million couples benefitting from extra tax relief

Dog owners reminded of their responsibilities in Sefton's outdoor spaces as pet ownership rises

Total UK cases Covid19 cases in and around Liverpool City Region