Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Tax System: Fairness

Tuesday 9 May 2023 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Richard Burgon asked the Minister about recent steps to ensure fairness in the tax system, to which the Minister responded that the Government are ensuring those with the broadest shoulders pay their fair share and took steps to tackle avoidance in the spring Budget.
  • Daniel Zeichner inquired about closing holes in the levy on North Sea oil and gas profits, and the Minister responded by pointing out the current rate of levy and emphasizing support for investment to improve energy security.
  • James Murray questioned the justification for a light-touch approach for promoters of tax avoidance schemes, and the Minister highlighted the strengthening of HMRC's powers to tackle such promoters through recent Finance Acts.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Richard Burgon Lab Leeds East
Taxation
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.

Question

What recent steps has he taken to ensure fairness in the application of the tax system?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not address specific fairness measures but focused on general principles.

How: We Are Committed To

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Q2 Daniel Zeichner Lab Cambridge
Taxation Energy
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

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.

Not addressed: The answer did not address the specifics of adjusting tax levies but discussed general business investments.

How: Changed Subject

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Q3 Richard Burgon Lab Leeds East
NHS Taxation
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.

Question

Why do the Government think that this tax cut for the super-rich is a priority?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

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.

Not addressed: The answer did not address why tax cuts for high-income individuals are prioritized but discussed pension rule changes.

How: Changed Subject

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Q4 Jonathan Gullis
Economy Taxation
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.

Question

When will that plan be outlined in more detail?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

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.

Not addressed: The answer did not provide a timeline for detailed plans but discussed fiscal responsibility in general terms.

How: Broad Statements

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Q5 James Murray Labour (Co-op) Ealing North
Taxation
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not address how the light-touch approach is justified but discussed recent legislation changes.

How: Changed Subject

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