The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee has continued its work on tackling corporate tax avoidance with an international conference in the City of London which brought together representatives from Governments, major Corporations, tax specialists, members of other Parliaments and the Press to explore the issues around tax avoidance.
Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle-Price led discussion on the effectiveness of tackling tax avoidance in the UK. The MP rejected attacks from tax lawyers who claimed that the work of the Committee was sensationalising the issue and damaging business.
Jackie told the gathering, “Complaining about the activities of our committee is frankly shooting the messenger. Companies may be suffering reputational damage but the public is angry about tax avoidance. More simplicity in tax affairs will reduce the opportunity for avoidance and improve public confidence.
Nonetheless the real issue is tackling illegal tax evasion. It is there where HMRC should direct its efforts. But if naming and shaming companies that indulge in questionable tax behaviour encourages them to change, I am all in favour.”