summertown scene november 2012 free magazine and …...to help brunetti in his enquiries – that is...

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Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford Friday 7 December 2012, 8pm Tickets from £15 A Celebration of Christmas A spectacular evening of carols and celebrity readings In aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). MAC12522 for tickets call 01865 305 305 or visit www.oxfordplayhouse.com /ticketsoxford Celebrity Readers: Freddie Jones • Joanna Lumley • Nathaniel Parker • Jeany Spark • Kevin Whately Summertown Scene November 2012 Free magazine and services guide for Summertown residents

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Page 1: Summertown Scene November 2012 Free magazine and …...to help Brunetti in his enquiries – that is when she isn’t shopping for her next fabulous outfit. There are around twenty

Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford Friday 7 December 2012, 8pm Tickets from £15

A Celebration of ChristmasA spectacular evening of carols and celebrity readings

In aid of

Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). MAC12522

for tickets call 01865 305 305 or visit

www.oxfordplayhouse.com/ticketsoxford

Celebrity Readers: Freddie Jones • Joanna Lumley • Nathaniel Parker • Jeany Spark • Kevin Whately

Poster-2012.indd 1 15/10/2012 08:46

Summertown SceneNovember 2012

Free magazine and serv ices guide for Summertown res idents

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Oxford Implantology Services Ltd ● Company registered in England and Wales

● Registration no: 7138101 Registered office address: North House, Farmoor Court, Cumnor Road, Farmoor, Oxford, OX2 9LU  

 

 Oxford’s  Newest  Facial  Aesthetic  Treatment  

Service  –  “Open  Days”  and  free  consultations  at    The  David  Lloyd  Leisure  Centre,  Oxford.  

 Hi  I’m  Dr  Vish  Anand,  and  I’m  thrilled  to  be  able  to  invite  you  to  our  two  official  opening  days.  Please  feel  free  to  drop  in  and  find  out  more  about  this  service  –    NO  NEED  TO  BOOK.      

After  a  presentation,  discuss  the  various      non-­‐surgical  cosmetic  treatments    you  can  have  right  on  your  doorstep  in  Oxford  with  Dr  Anand.    This  includes:  

• anti-­wrinkle  injections  and  •  dermal  fillers  

Wrinkle  reducing  injections  can  reduce  deep  and  unsightly  frown  lines,  knotted  eyebrows  and  “crows  feet”.    Dermal  filler  can  soften  deep  facial  folds  and  creases  that  age  you  visually.  Used  in  conjunction,  you  can  produce  a  non-­‐surgical  facelift  effect.      FREE  CONSULTATIONS  on  Wednesday  evenings  at  David  Lloyd  Leisure  Centre.  Please  phone  to  book  an  appointment  on  01865  750056.   Members and non- members of David Lloyd welcome David Lloyd Leisure Centre: Oxford Business Park North, Garsington Rd, Cowley Oxford. OX4 2JY e-­‐mail:  [email protected]  website:  www.facialaesthetictreatmentsoxford.com  

OPEN  DAYS    Friday  9th  November  from  10.00  am  -­‐  1.00  pm  and      Wednesday  14th  November  from  07.00  pm  -­‐8.30pm      Light  refreshments  provided…  

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Dear All,

With Christmas only a matter of weeks away, it seems fitting that we have a bit of a focus on charity events in this issue. Our November front cover once again announces ‘A Celebration of Christmas’ hosted by Macmillan Cancer Support. This year, the evening of carols and celebrity readings will take place in Christchurch Cathedral on Friday 7th December. So book your tickets now for a wonderfully uplifting experience and help support this great charity.

If you want to get your Christmas shopping off to a cracker of a start, then The Sobell Christmas Gift Fair, which takes place at Radley College on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th November, has something for everybody. Not only will you find some unique gifts you’ll also be making a contribution to Sobell House Hospice Charity – see page 8. While we’re on the subject of Sobell House, we’d like to offer our congratulations to Peronel Barnes, whose wonderful art workshops have been featured in previous issues of Summertown Scene. Peronel was among the brave souls to complete (and survive!) a sponsored abseil last month when she raised over £1,000 for her favourite charity.

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher not its editorial contributors can accept any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given for use in the publication. Adverts are accepted under the understanding that the description of the goods and services are fair and accurate. Summertown Scene Magazine does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. Content of articles does not necessarily reflect the views of the editor. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form without prior permission of the publisher. Copyright Summertown Scene Magazine 2012, Printed by Newman Thomson

Editor’s Letter

To advertise in Summertown SceneCall: 07721 410176 Email: [email protected]

/SummertownScene

@SummertownScene

On to more practical matters - now that the cold weather appears to have set in it’s good to get some tips on how to keep the heat in and the cold out and save on bills. Many thanks to A1 Plumbing & Heating for providing more words of wisdom - this time on how we can reduce energy costs during the winter months – see page 10.

Nowadays we all need to think about how our family finances may be affected by the government’s austerity measures. If you are among those people feeling confused or concerned about the recent changes that have been introduced regarding Child Benefit, some of your questions may be answered in this month’s ‘Ask the Expert’ feature, sponsored by Shaw Gibbs Accountants. Thanks again to them for their ongoing support and for sharing their professional knowledge and advice.

We’ll be back in December with our combined December/January issue. In the meantime, here’s hoping all your bonfire night bashes go with a bang!

Fiona Broster

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A Good Read

Our reviewer, Linda Glover, is a retired

English teacher with a love of literature and

a special talent for giving great résumés

of her recent good reads.

This month, Linda reviews A Venetian

Reckoning by Donna Leon, published by

Pan Macmillian

Book Review

A Venetian Reckoning by Donna Leon Commisario Guido Brunetti has lived in Venice all his life and loves his city, even though he shares it for most of the year with the rest of the world. This excellent series also features food and the inspector’s family as much as it does the mystery of whatever case he is investigating. The plots can surprise and shock though - in this case with the misogyny and callousness surrounding the trafficking of women.

Through Brunetti’s eyes we see Venice with its vaporetti, piazzas and landmarks, immersing us in that place. Often irritated by the tourists, he occasionally lets their wonderment colour his day “She could still knock them down this old whore of a city, and Brunetti, her true son, protective of her age, felt part heir to and part owner of all of this” Typically Italian, he adores his food, savouring local delicacies snatched in cafés and the sacrosanct family meals prepared by his lecturer wife – the daughter of an Italian count but ferociously egalitarian – who is his conscience, the mother of his children and the love of his life. His teenage daughter has inherited her mother’s campaigning nature and between them they give him a wonderfully hard time. Not that Brunetti needs much prompting; he frequently muses on the morality of what he does: “Why bother to put the boy who broke into a house in gaol when the man who stole billions from the health system was named ambassador to the country where he had been sending the money for years?” His boss, the Vice Questore is instantly recognisable as the politically ambitious jobsworth with little involvement in ensuring real justice is done. Brunetti is aided by the brilliant Signorina Elletra. Although Elletra is nominally the Vice Questore’s secretary, she spends her working day hacking into various systems to help Brunetti in his enquiries – that is when she isn’t shopping for her next fabulous outfit. There are around twenty books in the series so far and Brunetti’s family are shown gradually growing up. If you’d like to start at the beginning, the first one is “Death at La Fenice.”

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‘We specialise in luxury brand frames and are an authorised

Chanel stockist‘

Come in and browse our extensive range of

luxury brand frames

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www.oxfordharmonicsoc.org

Oxf

ord

Har

mon

ic S

ocie

ty

Reg

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Char

ity N

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0230

28

Tickets: £13 to £15 (concessions £6.50 to £13) on the door or from Oxford Playhouse

01865 305305 www.ticketsoxford.com

Saturday 24 November 2012 7.30 pm Town Hall, Oxford

Fauré Requiem

Saint-Saëns

Christmas Oratorio

Conductor Robert Secret with the Orchestra of Stowe Opera

New daytime and evening courses starting January 2013complete beginners

progressorsrefresher courses

more advanced classesalso easy duplicates

& supervised play sessions

Classes take place in and around Summertown, and in Bicester

for further details:email: [email protected]: 0796 444 3617

www.oxfordbridgelearning.org.uk

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"Ash and Tim Lane of Starveacre Fencing were superb. They arrived within 24 hours of my initial call to measure up and quote competitively and then completed the job within another 48 hours. They were punctual and efficient and I would recommend them very highly."John Sevier, Proprietor First Class Travel of Oxfordshire

The Art of FencingTwo brothers who went to Magdalen School together before attaining degrees in Business Management and Physical Geography at Newcastle and Oxford Brookes, went on to acquire the fine art of fencing. However, we are not talking about that in which D’Artagnan and his blade brandishing buddies so excelled. Tim and Ashley Lane have combined practical knowhow from their farming background with business planning skills from their education to form their partnership, Starveacre Fencing.

Starveacre Fencing provides aesthetically pleasing fencing solutions for both the domestic and agricultural markets, whilst offering the very best quality, security and service to clients. We asked these two bright enthusiastic, and let’s be honest - strapping young fellahs - what it was that attracted them to fencing as a business, and how the service they offer is so very different from the mainstream providers.

Tim explained how domestic fencing in particular, tends very much to be seen as a utility requirement. “ Because we need it primarily for privacy and security, most of us generally don’t give much consideration to replacing it or re-installing it unless there has been damage or deterioration. Typically it is seen as an annoying expense or inconvenience - a

distress purchase, so to speak. As such it’s almost always a reactive rather than a proactive choice to have fencing work done, with the end product not always being the most satisfactory from either a functional or aesthetic point of view.”Ashley pointed out that he and his brother took a much more proactive, holistic approach. “Rather than supplying a fix and mend service, we design and deliver a complete solution. We work with you consultatively to identify your specific priorities in terms of safety, security and functionality, together with your preferences in terms of appearance and style. We can then develop a creative, bespoke solution best able to accommodate these requirements within your specific budget.”

Clearly the quality of their customer service and level of attention to detail is high. What about materials? Tim and Ashley explained how they use only the highest quality fencing material and fabrication, their two main suppliers having over 130 years’ experience between them. One of

these has held the royal warrant for over 15 years and both are certified in accordance with the requirements of the Forest Stewardship Council which requires them to comply with guidelines set out to support responsible forest management worldwide.Apart from contributing to the enjoyment of your home, will a new fence add value to my property? “Most certainly,” advises Tim. “With a competitive housing market, replacing a fence which has long seen better days can make the difference between your property selling and being left on the shelf.”

Fencing with or without D’Artagnan, we say this fraternal duo definitely displays a competitive edge!

BEFORE DURING AFTER

STARVEACRE FENCINGPhone: 07879 024301

[email protected]

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[email protected]: 01865 376976

07941 634358

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For all your Plumbing and Heating Needs

Fast local 24-hour service No call out charge! Most jobs completed the same day Fully insured - competitive rates 5-year warranty on boiler installations

See customer testimonials and recommendations on our websitewww.hansonsplumbing.co.uk

Tel: 01865-244172 Mob: 07795 [email protected]

Our friendly reliable professional service saves you time and money!

10% OFF BOILER SERVICES TILL END OF NOVEMBER

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8.

Christmas

Entry £5.00 Concessions £2.50

“Something for Everybody”www.sobellhospicecharity.org.uk

Saturday 24th November10am - 5pm

Sunday 25th November10am - 4.30pm

• OVER 60 STALLS

• REFRESHMENTS• UNIQUE GIFT IDEAS

Charity Number 1118646

Radley College AbingdonOxfordshire OX14 2HR

THE SOBELL

G I F T FA I R2012

A T R A D L E YC O L L E G E

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9.

MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTORS

NEEDED

Good rates of pay to trustworthy, reliable people

living in the Summertown Area

Call: 07721 410 176Email: [email protected]

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1GET THE BEST FROM YOUR BOILERRegular servicing keeps your boiler work-ing efficiently and avoids expensive call-

outs and repairs in the case of an emergency breakdown. Banish your old boiler – the typi-cal lifespan of a boiler is ten years by which time you should give it the boot and allow energy savings to kick-in.

Plumbing solutionWhen it’s time for a new one, opt for a con-densing boiler, which will convert over 90% of the fuel it uses into heat compared to around 60% by a conventional one. A1 supply and install a wide range of makes and models – with some hot offers on servicing.

2 DON’T LET DRIPS BE A DRAINLeaving taps running, or leaving leaks and drips unchecked means money is

literally going down the drain. In just one day, a severely dripping hot tap could fill a bath. And talking of baths, you can enjoy several hot showers for the price of a single soak – a saving not to be taken lying down!Get a grip – make sure the importance of turning off taps ‘sinks in’ with all the family and fix any leaks fast.

Plumbing solutionFit taps that turn off automatically after a time or have sensors so you can turn them on or off with just a wave. A1 can turn a hand to these technologies and has more shower solutions than you can lob a loofah at.

3TAKE A DEGREE IN ENERGY SAVINGTurning down your thermostat by just

one degree centigrade can save up to 10% on your heating bill.* You’ll hardly feel

A1 TIPS FOR WINTER SAVINGS

With energy prices up again, we’re all looking for ways to cut our heating bills. A1 Plumbing and Heating, the family firm that’s

been providing a professional and reliable service to households and businesses in Oxfordshire for 45 years, offers pearls of plumbing

wisdom on how to keep the heat up and costs down.

this small change in temperature, but you’ll definitely see the savings! Take control – fit systems for accurately controlling the tem-perature around your home to optimise efficiency.

Plumbing solutionFor good control you need an electronic timer or programmer, a room thermostat, thermostatic radiator control and a separate thermostatic control on your hot water sys-tem. Get some smart advice from A1 about what will work best for you, and let them do the honours on supply and installation.

4INSULATION, INSULATION, INSULATIONWe know that energy bills are going

upwards – but did you know that 15% of the heat in your house is too? Loft insulation is a simple and cost-effective way to beat the rising cost of heating your home. Stop your bills going through the roof – if you install the recommended 270mm depth of loft insulation, you could save around £155 a year on your heating bills.* A1 offer a professional loft insulation service, so leave the ladders and lagging to them, safe in the knowledge that only your fuel costs will fall.

*According to the Energy Saving Trust

Tel: 01865 327732Email: [email protected]

www.a1ltd.co.uk

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A1 PLUMBING AND HEATINGSOLAR BATHROOMS BOILERS RENEWABLESOXFORD ABINGDON WITNEY THAME

01865 327732 01235 534440 01933 709667 01844 218900

YOUR LOCAL,FAM1LY RUNCOMPANY.Due to the uncertainty of energy prices in the future now is the time to maintain your heating system & reduce your running costs dramatically.We can help you cut £££ off your fuel bills & help the environment at the same time. Call us for details of the scrappage and warm front schemes.

Our services include:Maintenance and servicingGas & Oil boilers and full heating servicesLandlords gas safety certifi catesCentral heating system chemical fl ushPower fl ushingGeneral domestic plumbing - no job too small

Installations - GAS, LPG, OIL & SOLARHeating upgrades Fires Underfl oor heating Boilers Water heaters Ground/air source heat pumpsCookers Warm air units Solar energy

Complete bathrooms and kitchensKitchen, bathroom and shower design and installations. Shower rooms and wet rooms including builders work, electrical, tiling, fl ooring and decoration.

Our engineers are fully qualifi ed and experienced in all types of domestic plumbing and heating.

www.a1ltd.co.uk

1234568110

Please quote Ref: 130

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Visit Suri Beauty, your local health and beauty treatment specialist in Summertown.

We offer an extensive range of beauty treatments including Dermalogica facials, Australian body care HY waxing system,

nails, threading and eye treatments as well as make-up for weddings and special events.

Relax & enjoy being pampered!

By appointment only 01865-339-517 or call/text 07843-209-301Suri Beauty, Prama House, 267 Banbury Road, Summertown, OX2 7HT www.suribeauty.co.uk

With over 15 years’ experience, we use the latest techniques and top of the range products to have you looking and feeling fabulous,

be it for your big day, or every day.

10% off your first treatment on presentation of this advert

Need Help to Clear a House?

Clearly Organised House ClearanceContact Naomi Saunders

[email protected] 0118 972 4301 07799 126195

We offer you a caring hand and a comprehensive service

to gently guide you through this difficult process.

Whether you just need some help with the tougher aspects,

or want to hand over the whole activity, we provide practical, professional and

above all, sensitive support.

With over ten years’ experience and excellent

references, you can trust us to deal with everything both

efficiently and respectfully.

Before

After

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For more information:

Call: 07721 410176

[email protected]

Advertise withSummertown Scenefor a year from as little as

£240*annual price for quarter page advert

*

Jewellery

FEATURING

Powder RoomThe

...STILL A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND

You’re invited to a Fashion Showcase of Stella & Dot jewellery styled with clothes for real women to look gorgeous this winter and support Maggies Cancer Centre.

WHEREThe North Wall Arts Centre,Summertown

WHENTuesday 16th October6.30pm for 7pm start until 9pm

TICKETS £10Booked through North WallBox Office: 01865 319 450

JEWELLERY

CLOTHES

providing an opportunity to earn real cash from selling old gold and silver.

Includes a glass of fizz and donation to Maggie’s Cancer Centre. Tickets to be booked by 12 th October please as numbers are limited.

Summertown SceneOctober 2012

Free magazine and serv ices guide for Summertown res idents

Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford Friday 7 December 2012, 8pm Tickets from £15

A Celebration of ChristmasA spectacular evening of carols and celebrity readings

In aid of

Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). MAC12522

for tickets call 01865 305 305 or visit www.oxfordplayhouse.com/ticketsoxford

Celebrity Readers: Freddie Jones • Joanna Lumley • Nathaniel Parker • Jeany Spark • Kevin Whately

Poster-2012.indd 1

15/10/2012 08:46

Summertown SceneNovember 2012

Free magazine and serv ices guide for Summertown res idents

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The North Oxford

HandymanI can help with all those jobs

that either you can’t do or you just don’t want to.

I’m based in North Oxford but will travel anywhere

within reason

Small repairs of household or garden fixtures and equipment, plumbing or minor electrical work, painting and decorating, tiling or woodwork. Whether it needs a screwdriver, hammer, saw,

spanner, I can tackle it.

For a free quotation, please contact me using one of the methods below:

[email protected]: 01865 436022

m: 07846 544181www.northoxfordhandyman.co.uk

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14.

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01865 407 278

[email protected]

www.valiantplumbing.co.uk

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16.

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At Oxford Garden Partners, Emi Itoh and Kate Jury offer a fresh and inspiring design service to help you turn your dreams into reality. We use our expertise in all areas of garden and planting design to create beautiful, sustainable gardens which will give pleasure for years to come.

Autumn and winter are ideal times to plan your new garden, and we are offering a free initial consultation for the remainder of 2012.

Contact us now at www.oxfordgardenpartners.com, or phone 01865 201882.

OXFORD GARDEN PARTNERS The complete design service for your garden

OxfordGarden

Partners

17.

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Do you have a nice room for a B&B visitor?A clean, comfortable spare room can earn you an income for those little extras.

Demand from professional visitors for affordable B&B in Oxford has never been greater. Guests vacate the house during the day, so you’re free to spend it as normal, and we handle all set-up costs, admin and marketing. You simply offer guests a welcoming place to stay and a continental breakfast to start their day!

Take advantage of our specialist advice and management of B&B and self-catering accommodation. Call us on 01865 435229 or enter your details on the website at www.abodesofoxford.com

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Web: www.shawgibbs.com Tel: 01865 292200

Independent financial advice from David Rickwood, Head of Personal Taxation, and Ed Gibson, Head of Financial Services

David and his team have recently had an enquiry regarding the changes to Child Benefit:

Professional advice is strongly advised to ensure that such planning is within the rules: For a Free Initial Consultation to discuss your personal tax allowances or other financial planning queries: Visit our Saturday Surgeries on 3rd November or 1st December, 10am-2pm; Drop by on Wednesday afternoons 12-2pm for our Over 50’s Financial Surgeries; or Send your questions to: Jemma Risk, Shaw Gibbs LLP, 264 Banbury Road, Summertown OX2

7DY or email [email protected]. For further details, please visit www.shawgibbs.com

The above information is not to be taken as advice, whether it is appropriate to any individual is dependant upon their own circumstances. Specific advice should always be sought.

Shaw Gibbs LLP

Ask the Expert

Q: My partner has net income over £50,000 and I am currently receiving Child Benefit. What is changing? A: From 7 January 2013, there will be an additional income tax charge for your partner each tax year if you receive Child Benefit and your partner has net income over £50,000. It does not matter whether your partner is the parent of the child. If neither of you has net income greater than £50,000 for the tax year there will be no tax charge.

Q: What do I do if I believe that this will impact me and what options will be available to me? A: HMRC has stated they will be writing to individuals affected

within the next few weeks. If you do not receive a letter in the post and you believe that you will be affected, you will need to contact HMRC before 7 January 2013. Individuals will have the following options:

elect to stop receiving Child Benefit payments; continue to receive Child Benefit*; or reorganise their finances so neither partner has income above £50,000 in the tax year.

* If your partner has net income over £50,000, you will still be able to receive Child Benefit payments but there will be tax implications for them.

Q. What are the tax implications if I continue receiving the Child Benefit payments after this date? A. If you continue to receive Child Benefit payments and you or your partner has net income of over £50,000, the benefit must be declared to HMRC on the Tax Return of the highest earning partner. HMRC will calculate a tax charge, the amount of which depends on the excess of net income over £50,000. Where your own or your partner’s net income is above £60,000, the tax charge will equal (but cannot exceed) the amount of Child Benefit received.

Q. Will the changes affect the amount of State Pension I receive when I retire? A. HMRC state that credit for State Pension purposes will continue to be based on the claim for Child Benefit rather than the receipt of it. So, even if you are no longer receiving Child Benefit, you will still qualify for National Insurance credits, which can help to protect your future entitlement to State Pension. You will be entitled to receive the credit until your youngest child reaches the age of 12.

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18.

195 Banbury RoadSummertownOxfordOX2 7AR

Tel: 01865 311807

www.texturesfl ooring.co.uk

TEXTURESFLOORING

TEXTURESFLOORING

Textures Flooring Suppliers of

● Carpet ● Wood ● Vinyl ● Sisal ● Jute ● Seagrass ● Marmoleum ● Karndean● Sand and Sealing ● Rugs

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Web: www.shawgibbs.com Tel: 01865 292200

Independent financial advice from David Rickwood, Head of Personal Taxation, and Ed Gibson, Head of Financial Services

David and his team have recently had an enquiry regarding the changes to Child Benefit:

Professional advice is strongly advised to ensure that such planning is within the rules: For a Free Initial Consultation to discuss your personal tax allowances or other financial planning queries: Visit our Saturday Surgeries on 3rd November or 1st December, 10am-2pm; Drop by on Wednesday afternoons 12-2pm for our Over 50’s Financial Surgeries; or Send your questions to: Jemma Risk, Shaw Gibbs LLP, 264 Banbury Road, Summertown OX2

7DY or email [email protected]. For further details, please visit www.shawgibbs.com

The above information is not to be taken as advice, whether it is appropriate to any individual is dependant upon their own circumstances. Specific advice should always be sought.

Shaw Gibbs LLP

Ask the Expert

Q: My partner has net income over £50,000 and I am currently receiving Child Benefit. What is changing? A: From 7 January 2013, there will be an additional income tax charge for your partner each tax year if you receive Child Benefit and your partner has net income over £50,000. It does not matter whether your partner is the parent of the child. If neither of you has net income greater than £50,000 for the tax year there will be no tax charge.

Q: What do I do if I believe that this will impact me and what options will be available to me? A: HMRC has stated they will be writing to individuals affected

within the next few weeks. If you do not receive a letter in the post and you believe that you will be affected, you will need to contact HMRC before 7 January 2013. Individuals will have the following options:

elect to stop receiving Child Benefit payments; continue to receive Child Benefit*; or reorganise their finances so neither partner has income above £50,000 in the tax year.

* If your partner has net income over £50,000, you will still be able to receive Child Benefit payments but there will be tax implications for them.

Q. What are the tax implications if I continue receiving the Child Benefit payments after this date? A. If you continue to receive Child Benefit payments and you or your partner has net income of over £50,000, the benefit must be declared to HMRC on the Tax Return of the highest earning partner. HMRC will calculate a tax charge, the amount of which depends on the excess of net income over £50,000. Where your own or your partner’s net income is above £60,000, the tax charge will equal (but cannot exceed) the amount of Child Benefit received.

Q. Will the changes affect the amount of State Pension I receive when I retire? A. HMRC state that credit for State Pension purposes will continue to be based on the claim for Child Benefit rather than the receipt of it. So, even if you are no longer receiving Child Benefit, you will still qualify for National Insurance credits, which can help to protect your future entitlement to State Pension. You will be entitled to receive the credit until your youngest child reaches the age of 12.

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