How to close the tax gap April 16, 2024 Politicians love to talk about the tax gap as a pain-free revenue-raiser, but there is a genuine difference between tax owed and what’s collected, mostly because the system is far too complicated, says Tim Sarson Last week the Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves summoned up an old favourite of British fiscal administration: the tax gap. Labour [...]
Some big changes to the tax system no one is telling you about… March 19, 2024 The Budget did little to move the polls, but it included some fundamental philosophical changes to the way we pay tax. Expect unintended consequences, says Tim Sarson Budgets are fleeting spectacles. Like a passing squall they arrive with a few gusts of media speculation, dominate the news for a week at most, then blow themselves [...]
Hunting for a legacy? These are the taxes Jeremy should tweak February 20, 2024 If the Chancellor is looking to secure his legacy ahead of the General Election, he should use next month’s Budget to fix the thresholds and cliff edges that are distorting the economy, argues Tim Sarson Budgets are almost as much about political theatre as they are about policy, especially in the run-up to a general [...]
A success or not, Scotland’s tax hikes showcase the benefits of devolution January 16, 2024 Tax devolution allows for invaluable experimentation and dynamism that Britain's economy desperately needs, writes Tim Sarson.
Brace yourselves: 2023 will be seen as a stable tax year compared to what’s ahead December 19, 2023 It may have felt like a long year, but 2023 will be seen as a walk in the park for tax policy compared to what 2024 has in store, writes Tim Sarson
No cuts to corporate tax or business rates, here’s what Jeremy Hunt won’t do in the Autumn Statement November 21, 2023 You've heard plenty about what Jeremy Hunt will say tomorrow, but we can learn as much about the government's priorities in what he won't say, writes Tim Sarson.
With no wiggle room to cut or raise taxes, it’s time to sweat the small stuff October 17, 2023 When you have no room to make sweeping cuts, every change to taxes becomes hyper-political - like VAT on private schools or inheritance tax, writes Tim Sarson.
We’ve maxed out our credit card of taxes but we still need more cash September 19, 2023 We can't raise taxes, but we need more money to fix our crumbling services.
We were never going to have a great British bonfire of the tax system after Brexit August 15, 2023 We have neglected to reintroduce VAT-free shopping for foreign tourists, doubtless to squeals of delight from shopkeepers in Milan or Paris.
In loving memory of the Office of Tax Simplification – but hopefully not its dream July 19, 2023 We should radically reshape our taxes, making the legislation a 20 page pamphlet - but we probably won't.
