June 20 Newsletter

May 31, 2020

We hope that this newsletter finds you and your families well.

In this newsletter we will be looking at the future of the finance function and answering some tax questions about homeworking and Coronavirus. We also have a new team member to introduce to you!

BUSINESS UPDATE

What will my finance department look like in the future?

As with all other aspects of business, the finance skills that we need are also evolving. These are the skills that we think need to be incorporated:

Still need traditional skills

There will remain statutory obligations to HMRC and Companies House that will still need to be fulfilled; bookkeeping, monthly management accounts, budgeting and cash flow planning. But it is the analysis and the ability through technology to provide this information quickly when you need it most which will add the most value.

Agile working

This could involve project management especially in adopting new financial technology. By implementing new software this could help with financial strategy, cutting costs and providing more accurate forecasts. Of course this should be reviewed regularly to ensure your tech stack is as efficient as possible.

Sounding board

It is important that your finance advisor feels invested in the success of your company, this could be emotionally, strategically and commercially aware. Your finance team is often a good place to sound out new ideas/projects, cost them and analyse the potential gains so that a fully informed decision can be made.

The new roles in finance can be better described as; Value Drivers, Problem Solvers and Story Tellers. Do you have these types of people in your future business? If not, maybe we could have a chat to see how we could help you.

TAX Q&A: HOMEWORKING AND CORONAVIRUS

I have been furloughed and I'm now at home. Is there any tax relief for me against my increased home costs?

No, employees are in 'hibernation' rather than being made redundant.

I am working from home as my employer has closed the office, are there any tax reliefs for me?

Employers can pay £6 per week to an employee tax free, and the employer will receive tax relief on these payments.

I am forced to work from home and I need to buy a desk. Can my employer reimburse the cost?

Equipment, services and supplies to an employee paid by an employer is exempt from a benefit in kind charge. If the employee pays for the desk and the employer reimburses the costs, then a taxable benefit in kind arises.

Can my employer pay for my broadband while working from home?

Yes, but it will be taxable on the employee as it was already existing.

My company car is just sitting on my drive. Can I get a reduction in my Company Car Tax?

Only if the car becomes unavailable to the employee, by posting the car keys back to the employer. This would need to be documented and can only be reduced for periods of at least 30 days.

My employer has lent me £2,000 to help me and my family through the emergency. Is this taxable?

HMRC have confirmed that such a loan will be tax-free as it is under the £10,000 limit.

TEAM NEWS

We have a new team member, Kasia Lee!

We're really excited to welcome Kasia to our team, she is already doing some great work, but let's find out some more about Kasia:

Why did you decide to become an accountant?

As a child and a teenager I never wanted to be an accountant, I didn't even like Maths! But I was pushed a little bit by my Mum to go to the Economics and Administration College in Poland. After graduation I came to the UK for a summer adventure, which has now been extended by 16 years! Because my Polish qualifications were not recognisable in the UK, I went back to college and completed AAT L4 qualification. I have been working in the finance industry for 8 years now.

What aspect of business/accounts are you particularly interested in?

I really enjoy meeting new people and building relationships with them. I love the feeling of achievement that I get when I deliver a professional service with a personal touch.

What do you enjoy doing to relax?

I like riding a bike and making macrame decorations.

Until next month,

Stay safe,

Katherine, David and Kasia

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Unlock Smarter Spending for Better SEND Outcomes – Part 2

By David Adderson • July 14, 2025

In Part 1 of this series, Dr Anita Devi opened the conversation on the rising complexity of SEND and the need for intentional, values-driven provision. Her reflections focused on inclusive leadership, purposeful commissioning, and the principle that less can often be more . In this second part, I’d like to continue the conversation — but from a financial perspective. My name is Katherine Robertson. I’ve spent over 10 years working with organisations across sectors including the education sector, helping them to navigate their finances confidently and strategically. What I’ve learned over that time is simple: money follows priorities — but only when we lead with clarity . And now, with SEND needs rising faster than school income, we must work smarter than ever with the resources we have. 🎯 From Stockpiling to Strategic Spending In 2024, the Department for Education wrote to 64 academy trusts, concerned that some were holding onto reserves more than 100% of their annual income . These aren’t just large numbers — they are untapped opportunities. Of course, we know why these reserves exist: financial uncertainty, poor capital funding, and the understandable desire to protect future viability. But if money meant for today’s pupils is held for tomorrow’s problems , we risk doing a disservice to the very learners we aim to support. That’s why we’re asking an important question: Can schools and trusts use their reserves to strengthen inclusion and SEND support now, without compromising their long-term financial security? Our answer is yes — with the right approach. 🧩 Applying Financial Wisdom to Inclusive Practice We are not advocating reckless spending or draining reserves dry. On the contrary, we work with leaders to build a clear, defensible strategy for using reserves wisely , backed by robust modelling, compliance with DfE guidance, and an unwavering focus on improving outcomes for children with SEND. Together with Dr Anita Devi, we bring dual lens: educational insight and financial clarity. Here’s how we help to: ● Identify untapped funding within existing reserves ● Co-develop an evidence-led SEND investment plan ● Align to DfE expectations on reserve levels and financial health ● Build the narrative for governors, trustees, auditors and regulators ● Support ongoing evaluation to ensure value for money and impact It’s not about spending more. It’s about spending better . 🔄 Releasing Funds. Reinforcing Purpose. SEND needs are not going away — and nor are the financial pressures. But when finance and inclusion experts work together, we can unlock solutions that support both pupil outcomes and institutional resilience . With careful planning, strategic reserve use can: ● Fund early intervention ● Invest in staff development ● Improve provision infrastructure ● And reduce future costs from reactive SEND placements or escalation It’s a long-term gain — and a value-led approach to financial governance. 💬 Let’s Continue the Conversation If you’re sitting on reserves and wondering how best to use them — or if you’re just ready to rethink how your SEND resources are working for you — we’re here to help. We offer a tailored advisory service that helps schools and trusts plan, invest and lead with both head and heart. 📩 Reach out at SEND_Finance@youtopia.co.uk to book a preliminary conversation. Because sometimes, the smartest way to save — is to spend with purpose. Author: Katherine Robertson Strategic Finance Expert and Education Consultant In partnership with Dr Anita Devi – Leading SEND Specialist