Year ended
31 Dec 2013
£m | | | Half year to
30 June 2014
£m | Half year to
30 June 2013
£m |
|---|
| 19.7 | | Current tax – charge for the period | 17.3 | 12.8 |
| (0.2) | | Current tax – adjustments in respect of prior periods | (4.9) | (0.2) |
| 5.8 | | Deferred tax | – | (0.1) |
| 25.3 | | | 12.4 | 12.5 |
The rate of tax for the interim period is 23.5% (2013: 25.7%) of the profit before tax. The rate of tax is reflective of the impact of blending profits and losses from different countries and the different tax rates associated with those countries. The interim tax rate is lower primarily due to agreements reached with tax authorities in respect of previously open tax positions. Provisions against these matters have therefore been released and are included in the adjustments in respect of prior periods. The tax rate includes the impact of the reduction in the UK's corporation tax rate from 23% to 21% with effect from 1 April 2014.