Tax System Fairness 2023-05-09
2023-05-09
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses recent steps taken to ensure fairness in the tax system. The context includes concerns about the impact of tax measures on public finances and contributions from different income groups.
What recent steps has he taken to ensure fairness in the application of the tax system?
It is right that everyone contributes to sustainable public finances, and the Government are ensuring that those with the broadest shoulders pay their fair share. The spring Budget took steps to tackle avoidance and to improve the ability of His Majesty's Revenue and Customs to collect tax debts. That is alongside taking millions out of tax altogether by consistently raising personal tax allowances.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address specific fairness measures but focused on general principles.
We Are Committed To
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question references energy companies' record profits from North Sea oil and gas and the inability of 2 million people to pay bills. The context includes concerns about the impact of these profits on public welfare.
Why do the Government not close those huge holes in the levy on North sea oil and gas profits, and get that money to the people who need it?
I do not think that the hon. Gentleman is being quite fair, as he neglects to tell the House the rate of levy for those companies. He will understand why we have said to businesses that want to invest to improve energy security in the United Kingdom that we will support such investment.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address the specifics of adjusting tax levies but discussed general business investments.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses recent tax giveaways to the wealthiest, allowing them to stash vast sums in their pensions tax-free. The context includes concerns about funding free school meals and food bank use.
Why do the Government think that this tax cut for the super-rich is a priority?
I gently remind the hon. Gentleman of the conversation that happened at the Budget—I hope he recalls it—about the need to get doctors, consultants and those in the public sector back into the NHS. We heard from doctors themselves—the British Medical Association and others—that there were barriers in the pension tax rules which stopped them continuing to serve.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address why tax cuts for high-income individuals are prioritized but discussed pension rule changes.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The question references the Prime Minister's plan to cut the basic rate of income tax to 15p in the pound by the end of the decade. The context includes expectations for detailed plans and fiscal responsibility.
When will that plan be outlined in more detail?
I hope my hon. Friend has been listening to what the Chancellor said at spring Budget and in speeches since then about the need for fiscal responsibility. We have to be fiscally responsible; we have acknowledged that. We have had to make some very difficult decisions along the way, but we are clear that halving inflation, tackling our debt and growing the economy will enable us to make the sorts of tax cuts that he and I both want to see so much.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide a timeline for detailed plans but discussed fiscal responsibility in general terms.
Broad Statements
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The question discusses the impact of HMRC's loan charge on tens of thousands of people and the low number of fines issued for architects and enablers of failed tax avoidance schemes. The context includes concerns about fair enforcement.
How can the Conservative Government justify such a light-touch approach for the promoters of such schemes, while many of those caught up in them face such a nightmare?
I draw the hon. Gentleman's attention to the strengthening of HMRC's powers to tackle promoters of tax avoidance in the Finance Acts of 2021 and 2022, with a further tough new package of measures to ensure that promoters face stronger sanctions much more quickly.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address how the light-touch approach is justified but discussed recent legislation changes.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy