AKC

18/05/2026

Get ready for SFI26.
The 1st Window of for SFI26 will open in June 2026, for 2 groups.
• Small farms
• Farms without an Environmental Land Management Revenue Agreement. (ELM)
Your business only needs to be in one of these groups not both.
Definition of small farms – a farm with land up to 50Ha of agricultural land registered with the RPA 1st January 2026.

2nd Window opens in September for all other farmers and Land Managers, if you were eligible in Window 1 but missed applying you can apply in window 2.
There is no fixed deadline to apply by as this will depend on demand for the scheme.
Further information on how to apply and the available options will be published on the following link prior to the Application window opening.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sustainable-farming-incentive-2026-sfi26
It is important prior to the application windows opening that all details are up to date on the RPA system. Including any Land Changes if these have not been completed it could delay your application.
If you would like to discuss a SFI application either for the 1st or 2nd window, please contact the AKC team. It is better to draft and discuss possible options prior to the application windows opening as we think the demand for the scheme will be high.

07/05/2026

07/05/2026

To submit an application follow this link
https://rpagrants.org.uk/welcome/

30/04/2026

Payrolling benefits in kind:
HMRC is reminding employers that benefits in kind will need to be reported in real time from April 2027, there is an interim guidance available on https://www.gov.uk/guidance/payrolling-tax-employees-benefits-and-expenses-through-your-payroll

Reporting expenses and benefits for Tax year ending 5th April 2026:
For employers who do not yet payroll expenses and benefits the deadline for reporting P11D(b) class 1A NI contributions P11D expenses and benefits in kind provided in the 2025 to 2026 tax year is 6th July 2026.
All P11Ds and a P11D(b) for 2025-2026 tax year must be filed online and at the same time.

Student Loans – Reminder of new Plan 5 for 2026 -2027 tax year:
Employers are reminded from 6th April 2026 a new student loan Plan 5 will be introduced into repayment for the first time. Plan 5 will operate and be collected in the same way as current plans, 1,2 and 4.
Employers will begin receiving student loan start notices in March 2026, for all borrowers who will go into repayment in April 2026.
Employers are encouraged to advise any employees who do not know what plan they are on to logon to their student loan account.
New annual thresholds will be:
Plan 1 - £26,900
Plan 2 - £29,385
Plan 4- £33,795
Plan 5 - £25,000
Postgraduate Loan - £21,000
Deductions remain at 9% and postgraduate loan remains at 6% for any earnings above the respective thresholds.

27/04/2026

April 2026 Changes
• Statutory Sick Pay
• Paternity Leave and unpaid parental Leave
• Launch of Fair Work Agency
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) Changes:
From 6th April 2026 the Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces two major changes to SSP.
• Removal of the Lower Earnings Limit:
All eligible employees will be entitled to SSP regardless of income. SSP will be paid at 80% of normal weekly earnings or the uprated weekly flat rate of £123.25 whichever is lower.
• Removal of waiting period - SSP will be paid from the first full day of sickness absence, not from day four.
These changes make SSP more accessible & remove barriers for lower paid employees and will apply across the UK including Northern Ireland.
HMRC has further guidance on SSP for employers and employees at www.business.gov.uk/campaign/employment-changes.
Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is increasing to £194.32 per week or 90% of average earnings, whichever is lower.

State pension changes - 6th April 2026 State Pension Age increases for men and women from 66-67 years.
There is a state pension calculator to find out when your employees will reach state pension age. https://www.gov.uk/state-pension-age

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23/04/2026

Great British Beef Week – 23 April 🥩
Great British Beef Week celebrates British farming and the naturally delicious beef it produces. Founded by Ladies in Beef, the campaign is supported by AHDB, Meat Promotion Wales, NFU, Red Tractor, RABI, The Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland, and Quality Meat Scotland.
This year highlights the vital role of local butchers and farm shops in providing sustainable British beef. One initiative leading the way is Coln Native Livestock, www.colnnativelivestock.com which delivers high quality beef through regenerative grazing and the rearing of native breeds while restoring valuable grassland habitats.
The week is celebrating all Beef recipes tell us your go to beef recipes in the comments. 🍔🍽️

02/04/2026

Important updates for Employers and Employees April 2026

National Minimum Wage increases are as outlined, ensure to review employee salaries and earnings

16/03/2026

13/03/2026

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of attending the at the NEC, where we engaged with thought-provoking discussions on AI and MTD. It was valuable to connect with innovative service providers offering cutting-edge technology that can drive growth for our clients.🚀

05/03/2026

📣AKC Team members will be attending the at the NEC on Thursday, 12th March.

The show is a community led event for accountants and finance leaders to solve real problems together, sharing knowledge. 💻