VAT advice

Ellabobbin

Following a conversation with a local sole practitioner (not MAAT), I am wondering what other people do.... He has a client for whom the engagement is purely for end of year accounts, CT600, the client does the bookkeeping and vat returns... The turnover has dramatically decreased and is now at a level where they could use the flat rate scheme. The husband of a friend of the client (ACCA qualified) is saying that the accountant should have advised a change to the flat rate scheme, has calculated how much money she could have saved and of course she is now wanting to be recompensed.... What do other people do with such clients? Would you automatically check to make sure they are using the most appropriate vat scheme, or would you only do this if the letter of engagement covers VAT? Thank you!