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Non-domicile Tax Status
31 January 2023
Lead MP
James Murray
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
NHSTaxationForeign AffairsChildren & Families
Other Contributors: 23
At a Glance
James Murray raised concerns about non-domicile tax status in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Today, 31 January, is the last day for people to file their self-assessment tax returns. The non-domicile tax status loophole allows high-income individuals to avoid paying UK taxes on overseas income for up to 15 years and costs £3.2 billion annually. Labour calls for its abolition to fund public services like NHS and childcare, arguing it is unfair to increase taxes on working people while protecting this outdated loophole.
James Murray
Lab Co-op
Ealing North
The non-domicile tax status loophole costs £3.2 billion annually and allows wealthy individuals to avoid UK income taxes for up to 15 years, passed down through generations. Labour argues it is wrong to protect this outdated loophole while increasing taxes on working people and businesses struggling, particularly with the NHS in crisis. The shadow Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, first set out Labour's position last April to abolish non-dom status when in government.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
Questions the relevance of the Labour spokesman discussing general issues rather than addressing the motion on abolishing non-domicile tax status specifically.
Victoria Atkins
Con
Louth and Horncastle
Requests clarification regarding the accuracy of quotes attributed to her, emphasising that those with non-domiciled status pay £7.9 billion in taxes.
Victoria Atkins
Con
Louth and Horncastle
The Government have prioritised economic stability, with the autumn statement highlighting measures such as raising pensions, benefits, and the national living wage to support vulnerable households. Despite the difficult fiscal decisions taken, the focus is on fairness in tax contributions, acknowledging non-domiciled individuals' significant role in funding public services through their tax payments.
Matt Western
Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Asked about the average length of time that 28,000 non-domiciled individuals have been in the country, along with the longest and shortest durations, emphasising public interest in understanding fairness in tax contributions.
Jamie Stone
Lib Dem
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Proposed raising remittance basis charge thresholds from £30,000 to £60,000 and from £60,000 to £90,000, suggesting it would improve the balance between revenue generation and non-doms paying their share. Additionally, suggested indexing charges to inflation in future years.
Imran Hussain
Lab
Bradford East
Questioned the Minister about waiting for a fiscal event before abolishing non-dom tax status, seeking clarity on the Government's position and timing regarding this change.
Stewart Hosie
SNP
Dundee East
The non-dom system was established in 1799 to allow foreign property owners to shelter income from wartime taxes. By 2021, nearly 70,000 people still had non-dom status, with most living around London. The abolition of permanent non-dom status by George Osborne in 2015 showed that ending the perk was right. However, the current Chancellor's stance is confusing and potentially benefits wealthy individuals at the expense of ordinary taxpayers.
Michael Ellis
Con
Wycombe
Labour’s motion to request Treasury analysis on abolishing non-dom tax status is irregular and possibly unconstitutional as it could give an unfair advantage to interested parties before a financial statement. Abolishing the current arrangements, which have existed for two-and-a-quarter centuries, would be counterproductive as it might drive business away and harm the UK economy. The Government has already protected significant tax revenue from non-domiciled individuals and introduced measures to tackle tax avoidance since 2010.
Naz Shah
Lab
Bradford West
Since 2010, Conservative Governments have imposed higher taxes on working people while allowing MPs and their friends to avoid paying tax themselves. The Prime Minister's wife gave up her non-dom status when he was Chancellor, benefiting from loopholes that cost the economy billions.
The UK had the fastest-growing economy in the G7 last year with a growth rate of 4.1%. While there is agreement on wanting a fair tax system attractive to internationally mobile people, Labour's push for abolishing non-dom status overlooks its economic benefits and potential loss if everyone who abides by it suddenly flees.
Marie Rimmer
Lab
St Helens South and Whiston
Our tax system is broken, unfair, and unjust, allowing the wealthiest to avoid taxes while working people pay disproportionately. Labour will introduce a modern scheme that is fair to short-term residents but ensures those benefiting from UK services pay their fair share.
Aaron Bell
Con
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Bell argues that the Labour proposal to abolish non-dom status is unrealistic and could harm economic growth. He cites fiscal challenges due to pandemic support measures and doubts the £3.2 billion figure, suggesting it would not significantly raise revenue. He also emphasises Conservative policies raising personal allowance and national living wage while reducing tax burden for low-income earners.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
McCarthy asserts that the UK's tax system should be fair, with no special treatment for wealthy individuals. She cites a study estimating £11 billion in unreported income and capital gains by non-doms, resulting in over £3 billion lost revenue annually. McCarthy proposes using this money to double medical school places and support NHS reforms, including more district nurses and midwives. She also advocates for breakfast clubs for primary school children.
Nigel Mills
Con
Wycombe
Mr Mills does not support the motion, arguing that requiring the Chancellor to publish all considerations before a Budget is unreasonable. He supports ending non-dom status but believes it needs a thorough review of tax and benefit rules for residents and non-residents. He suggests simplifying rules to fit a modern economy, including temporary resident’s relief to avoid deterring people from coming to the UK.
Martin Docherty
Lab
West Dunbartonshire
Mr Docherty highlights the struggles of his constituents due to inflation and cost of living issues. He criticises the non-dom status system as it offers opt-outs for wealthy individuals while being punitive towards those less well-off, undermining social cohesion. He advocates for transparency in tax records and positive incentives for paying taxes, such as honouring those who pay significant amounts.
Rob Butler
Con
Beaconsfield
He argues against publishing Treasury analysis of potential tax policy impacts on non-domiciled individuals before the Budget due to market sensitivity. He emphasises a fair and competitive UK tax system that attracts talent, generates revenue for public services, and supports economic growth without stifling it.
Vicky Foxcroft
Lab
Lewisham North
She highlights the need to close non-dom tax loopholes and uses the debate to propose investments in early childhood development and youth violence prevention through enhanced childcare programmes and breakfast clubs in schools. She emphasises the importance of investing in young people's future.
Ben Lake
PC
Ceredigion Preseli
He discusses broader tax reform issues, including wealth inequality and the fairness of the UK tax system. He suggests introducing additional thresholds to make income tax more progressive and raises concerns about discrepancies in national insurance contribution rates. He also mentions the need for better resource allocation by HMRC to tackle tax fraud.
Alex Sobel
Lab Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
In Leeds, fewer than 100 people are non-domiciled for tax. The motion seeks clarity on how much public revenue is lost from the non-dom loophole in London's Cities of Westminster and London, which could amount to more than what all constituents pay annually. Tax loopholes do not exist elsewhere like the US and other jurisdictions that require people to pay taxes after a qualifying period.
Simon Lightwood
Lab Co-op
Wakefield and Rothwell
In Wakefield, there are fewer than 100 non-doms compared to over 50,000 in just six London constituencies. Labour aims to use the billions lost from tax avoidance to improve public services like NHS and childcare provisions. The impact of reforming the non-dom regime has shown minimal effects on those leaving the UK. Reforming this system would be fairer for ordinary taxpayers and better for business investment.
Erith and Thamesmead
The loophole costs £3.2 billion annually, leading to higher taxes on ordinary citizens while the wealthy avoid contributing their fair share. Labour calls for abolishing the non-dom tax status to raise funds needed for public services and support the economy's growth.
Andrew Griffith
Con
Arundel and South Downs
The Conservative Government has a plan with five priorities: cutting inflation by half, growing the economy, reducing national debt, decreasing NHS waiting lists, and stopping small boats crossing the channel. They are committed to uprating benefits by inflation, honouring the triple lock on pensions, and providing generous subsidies for energy bills. The government criticises Labour's lack of fiscal responsibility and warns against procedural politics.
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