Clause 5 - Taxation
Legislative and Regulatory Reform Bill
10:45 am
Christopher Chope (Christchurch, Conservative)
I do indeed. The Minister was helpful when he wrote us a letter in which he defined “local Act”. Perhaps he could write us another letter to explain the definition of “taxation”, for the purposes of the Bill, because it is not defined on the face of the Bill. Obviously, that is a controversial area.
The other question that I have for the Minister is regarding the connection between subsections (1) and (2). Subsection (2) states that
“Subsection (1) does not apply to provision which merely restates legislation.”
As I understand it, if legislation restates taxation, the Government have the opportunity to increase those taxes without offending against the provisions in the Bill before us. It seems that the Government could restate legislation and increase taxation at the same time, and not be caught by the provisions in clause 5. Will the Minister confirm that that is an accurate reading and interpretation of the powers that the Government are taking?