Tuesday 26 May 2009

Brown Slapped Down by HM Revenue and Customs

A spokesman for HM Revenue and Customs said: “The operation of the tax system is the responsibility of HMRC and no one else. ..It is our job to ensure that the tax system operates correctly and we do this. ..We police the tax rules right across the board effectively and without exception. All self-assessment returns are subject to inquiry.”

HMRC is looking through the enormous claims of Members of Parliament to consider whether they are liable to declaration and taxation. The Commons Fees Office has no status to determine taxable, and taxable as benefits in kind, income. Neither has the 'set up a body to rule on expenses' idea of the 'set up a body appointed by me to rule on anything and everything' Prime Minister and Saviour of the World (well, his world, anyway).

The Telegraph is reporting that HM Revenue and Customs has been investigating for some time and there have been 'discreet' requirements to 'stop it, now' from the HMRC on some Members. Why discreet? They are not backward in coming forward with the rest of us.

It wouldn't be pleasant to discover that the tax authorities and HM Treasury have not been even-handed.

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