Jane Ellison: That is exactly right, and this is something that we have taken extremely seriously. The UK’s tax gap is one of the lowest in the world, and it is certainly one of the most transparent and best documented. Since 2010, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs has secured £140 billion in additional tax revenue as a result of tackling avoidance, evasion and non-compliance. As I have said, the...
Jane Ellison: The Government have carefully considered the evidence for applying a 5% reduced rate of VAT on accommodation and visitor attractions, which has come up several times in the House, but we believe, on balance, that the costs of doing so outweigh the benefits. We keep all such things under review, but there are no plans for a reduction in the rate of VAT on tourism activity.
Jane Ellison: I am familiar with the right hon. Gentleman’s figures, and Treasury officials have met campaigners over several years to look at them. We will always look at the evidence, but we disagree with the campaign’s economic assessment. Together with HMRC, the Treasury assesses that such a cut would cost around £10 billion a year—approximately £7 billion for restaurants and bars, and about...
Jane Ellison: We look to support the tourism sector in a whole range of ways, and the sector is doing very well. We have seen great increases in the number of tourists, and my hon. Friend is a great advocate for his region. Tourism is one of the highest performing sectors in the economy. For example, the UK has one of the highest VAT registration thresholds in the EU— [Interruption.] The highest. That...
Jane Ellison: We explored those issues when I gave evidence to the Select Committee on Northern Ireland Affairs, so I know what the hon. Lady is alluding to. One example is that the Government’s decision in last year’s autumn statement to focus on investment in infrastructure will result in an increase of more than £250 million to the Northern Ireland Executive’s capital budget, which gives them the...
Jane Ellison: As the Chancellor mentioned, the Government have undertaken a significant amount of work to assess the economic impacts of leaving the EU. It is part of our continuing programme of rigorous and extensive analytical work, covering a range of scenarios, as the hon. Gentleman would expect, sector by sector.
Jane Ellison: Treasury Ministers, and indeed Ministers right across government, are speaking to individual businesses and sectors all the time to understand their concerns about issues of this sort. Obviously, we are seeking the best possible deal for the UK, and all the work being done reflects that, including in respect of understanding how we can respond to those concerns and get a great deal.
Jane Ellison: Agricultural land and buildings are, of course, exempt from business rates, although I know my hon. Friend was talking in particular about some of the capital allowances. We are committed to a capital gains tax system that supports investment and growth right across the economy, which is why at Budget 2016 we reduced CGT rates from 28% to 20%, and from 18% to 10% for gains on most assets....
Jane Ellison: In most cases, the Ministry of Justice expects that banks will be able to release enough cash from the estate to pay the probate fee, and we know from HMRC that the average estate is 25% cash. The MOJ is working with the British Bankers Association and others to put arrangements in place.
Jane Ellison: I will look into the specific issue that the hon. Gentleman raises, but I want to make it very clear that HMRC investigates absolutely every report of national minimum wage violations. We take the matter very seriously, and we do enforce it.
Jane Ellison: HM Revenue and Customs currently estimate that the National Insurance contributions foregone from employees and self-employed people of pensionable age would be around £1.1 billion in 2014-15, based on the State Pension Ages for that year. The estimate is based on the latest available Survey of Personal Incomes (2014-15).
Jane Ellison: Taxis are considered cars for the purposes of VED. As such, new taxis purchased after 1 April 2017 will be treated under the new VED system. We expect zero emission capable taxis to be available on the market in the second half of 2017. If these are priced at above £40,000 they will be liable for an additional rate in the first five years of the Standard Rate, as with any other car. The...
Jane Ellison: Data held by HM Revenue and Customs on tax credit claimants does not specify where claimants are farmers.
Jane Ellison: At Autumn Statement 2015 the Government announced the exclusion of all energy generation, including community energy projects, from the tax advantaged venture capital schemes with effect from 6 April 2016 and from the Social Investment Tax Relief (SITR) scheme when it is enlarged. The SITR scheme will be enlarged with effect from 6 April 2017 under the provisions of the Finance (No. 2) Bill....
Jane Ellison: HM Revenue and Customs has not discontinued the publication of these statistics. The Department intends to publish the transfer pricing statistics shortly.
Jane Ellison: On 28 March 2017 the UK had 667 businesses holding Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status. During the last five complete calendar years the number of applications received by HM Revenue and Customs and the average time taken to issue a decision are as follows: 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Applications received 55 45 58 91 300 Average time taken to issue a decision (days)...
Jane Ellison: A Command Paper setting out the UK’s plans to ratify the World Health Organisation Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products can be laid before Parliament once all the Primary legislation to fully implement the Protocol has been approved by Parliament. While the UK already has many of the Protocol’s requirements in place, the requirement to license tobacco manufacturing...
Jane Ellison: The Government is determined that everyone who is entitled to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) receives them. Anyone who feels they have been underpaid NMW or NLW should contact the Acas helpline on 0300 123 1100. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) reviews all complaints that are referred to the department. In 2015/16, HMRC completed 2667 investigations, identifying...
Jane Ellison: For 2017-18, the value of the LCF has been set at £39.3 million. As a result, the cap on contributions from landfill operators has been increased from 4.2% to 5.3%. The Government expects to maintain this higher 5.3% cap for future years, but this expectation assumes we see continued progress from environmental bodies in terms of reducing administrative costs and the level of unspent funds.
