CEO Welcome: The autumn agenda

Since Tax Update Day on 23 June and Legislation Day on 13 July, both the CIOT and ATT technical teams have been reviewing and responding to consultations, draft legislation and guidance issued by HMRC and HM Treasury. These have covered issues including proposals for a new sanction for reckless behaviour by tax advisers and the better use of third-party data.

Our aim is to ensure that new legislation is clearly drafted, proportionate and practical to implement for both advisers and taxpayers. While we support many of the government’s underlying aims, we have highlighted the need for appropriate safeguards, clear guidance and realistic timescales. Member feedback plays a crucial role in shaping our submissions, and we thank everyone who has contributed.

Readers may have seen ‘Tax Breaks’, the new ATT and CIOT podcast exploring how people outside government can, and have, influenced the world of tax. The first episode featured HMRC First Permanent Secretary and CEO JP Marks discussing his vision for ‘working in the open’. Watch the podcast at tinyurl.com/52vuk8aw.

Staying with podcasts, DITT Talk, which complements our Diploma in Tax Technology, is now in its second series. It goes beyond asking what the latest technology can do to explore its practical, professional and strategic implications for tax. Catch up on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

This summer, CIOT was delighted to recognise success in tax learning at undergraduate level, sponsoring awards at the University of Warwick and Swansea University for high-performing taxation students. Read more in the Briefings section.

Looking ahead, the CIOT’s Indirect Taxes Conference takes place on 12 November, bringing together experts for a programme covering VAT on land, property and construction, international trade, customs, CBAM, financial services and recent VAT case law. You can register at www.tax.org.uk/indirecttaxes2026.

The autumn will also bring Chancellor John Healey’s first Budget on 28 October. There have been further changes at the Treasury, with Emma Reynolds appointed Chief Secretary to the Treasury and James Murray returning as Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Tax minister), while Dan Tomlinson remains Exchequer Secretary but takes on the growth portfolio. We look forward to constructive engagement with the ministerial team over the coming months.

On the ATT side, members can now take advantage of a dedicated online qualification in R&D tax relief, offered in partnership with The R&D Community. The course provides a practical overview of the R&D relief schemes, including who can claim and how HMRC administers claims, and can be completed at the learner’s own pace. Find out more at tinyurl.com/26s7uy6f.

The next ATT Fellows’ event takes place on 8 October, with Steven Pinhey leading the keynote session on the increasing sanctions facing tax advisers, followed by discussions on Making Tax Digital, multiple agents and employment status. Invitations will be issued shortly. ATT members who have held membership for ten years can also apply for Fellowship and attend future Fellows’ events.

There are further opportunities to get involved. On 13 October, Emma Rawson and Steven Pinhey will host a webinar on tax education in schools and at careers fairs, joined by members sharing their own experiences. Then, in November, ATT and AAT will present the next Sharpen Your Tax Skills conference, led by Barry Jefferd and the ATT Technical Team.

As ever, there is plenty to look forward to. Whether through contributing to our technical work, developing your professional knowledge or helping to inspire the next generation, we hope you will continue to support and engage with CIOT and ATT.