2,250 tax inspectors lined up for avoidance focus
HMRC will aim to cut avoidance through 2,000 new roles
MORE THAN 2,000 tax inspectors will target tax avoidance and evasion in new roles, according to chief secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander.
In his speech to the Lib Dems’ Autumn conference, Alexander called on working towards a fairer tax system.
An additional 2,250 HMRC staff will move into new anti-evasion and avoidance jobs, with more than 1,000 of these jobs being advertised this month.
The Lib Dems will also push the coalition government to increase the income tax threshold to £12,500 from £10,000.
“Some people have argued that we should change our tax priorities and focus our limited resources on cutting taxes for the wealthiest instead,” said Alexander.
“At a time of austerity, this argument simply beggars belief. 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 the 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 tax owed is tax paid.”
Image: © HM Treasury/Crown Copyright