HMRC Criticised by Public Affairs Committee
HMRC have been criticised by the influential Public Accounts Committee of the House of Commons. The MPs have alleged HMRC made favourable deals with big business and have accused HMRC top officials of not cooperating with the Committee.
HMRC have issued a detailed rebuttal on their website
EDF Tax says:
We hold no brief to defend HMRC but it is remarkable that a Committee of Parliament should encourage anything that would undermine taxpayer confidentiality. Our guess is that HMRC will be largely exonerated in this spat.
Meanwhile Sir Andrew Park has, it is reported, been asked by the National Audit Office to help its review of some high value settlements between large companies and HMRC.
EDF Tax suggested something of this sort in our Press Release of 19 October 2011 when we said,
‘I suggest that to restore trust, some provision or power be established so that the National Audit Office, or perhaps a trusted wise man or woman of the tax community, be allowed to review HMRC’s operation of the Litigation and Settlements Strategy on behalf of Parliament and in sufficient depth to give the PAC the assurances it needs.’
22 December 2011
Who to contact?
For further information contact Iain Macleod on 07920 146800 or email at imacleod@edftax.co.uk.