Can I really mean this? The fact I was delighted a tax relief was dropped when the Finance Bill received Royal Ascent, but yes I am, only because the relief had the potential of being out of date almost as soon as it became law, or as good as. I am, of course, referring to the trivial benefits exemption.

It is a shame, because HMRC had consulted on the relief back in December 2014, and had it listened to the wise words of the profession it may have been a good thing, but it didn’t and so I am pleased.

In its current form it is a very useful way for an employer to make a gift to all or some of its employees of a token item. Nothing lavish, but something that most employees will probably appreciate.