| A crack team of more
2,000 tax inspectors is to be set up by HM
Revenue and Customs to target tax
avoidance and evasion. The move was
announced by Chief Secretary to the
Treasury, Danny Alexander, during his
speech to the Lib Dems’ autumn conference.
The team of 2,250, with more than 1,000
of these jobs being advertised this month,
will target an estimated 350,000 UK
residents whose personal wealth exceeds
£2.5m.
During his speech Alexander also pushed
the coalition Government to increase the
income tax threshold to £12,500 from
£10,000.
Refuting suggestions to cut taxes for
the wealthiest, he told the conference:
“If we are all in this together, those
with the broadest shoulders must bear the
greatest burden.
“Fair taxation of the wealthiest is key
to our deficit reduction plan. Of course,
if a better way can be found to raise
money from this group, I will be willing
to consider it.
“But right now we must focus
relentlessly on those who are struggling,
and we need to make sure that tax owed is
tax paid.”
Alexander also hinted at support for a
“mansion tax” to capture revenue from
owners of substantial property.
The latest proposals will see the
creation of new council tax “superbands”
in areas of high property values and
additional taxation on house sales.
LINK:
2,250 tax inspectors lined up for
avoidance focus |
