Tax Evasion High Street Businesses 2025-07-01
2025-07-01
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
A common issue on high streets is phoenixing, where businesses cycle through multiple limited companies to avoid paying corporation tax, VAT or business rates. This practice is alleged in Harry Potter-themed gift shops across London.
As the Minister is no doubt aware, an increasingly common issue on our high streets is phoenixing. That is where a shop unit continues to trade while cycling through multiple limited companies every few months, none of which pays corporation tax, VAT or business rates. Can the Minister encourage officials at His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs to walk along Whitehall, just a few hundred metres from this Chamber, and take a look at whether the series of Harry Potter-themed gift shops across London—which have been accused by “London Centric” of doing exactly that—are playing by the rules? Will they ensure that tax enforcement supports legitimate small businesses on our high streets?
My hon. Friend is a powerful campaigner and advocate for tackling those who do not play by the rules. While I am unable to comment on individual taxpayer affairs because of my position, I very much recognise the issue. We are determined to tackle this problem, and HMRC is working across Government on enforcement action, including work with Companies House and the Insolvency Service to tackle phoenixism.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not directly address the request to investigate specific Harry Potter-themed gift shops or ensure support for legitimate small businesses.
Unable To Comment On Individual Taxpayer Affairs
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The previous government announced a package of measures to reduce the tax gap, but there is concern that loopholes still exist.
What steps she plans to take to close loopholes in the tax system.
The year before we came to power, the tax gap stood at £47 billion. That is unacceptable, which is why we announced the most ambitious-ever package of tax gap measures in the Budget, and went even further in the spring statement. We are now forecast to raise £7.5 billion from the tax gap in 2029-30, including by recruiting 5,500 more compliance officers, investing in better technology and closing loopholes. We will bring forward further measures to close the tax gap in the autumn Budget.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not specify what specific steps would be taken beyond general commitments to close loopholes.
Announced A Package Of Measures But No Specifics On Closing Loopholes
Response accuracy