Office of Tax Simplification Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Office of Tax Simplification

Alun Cairns Excerpts
Tuesday 20th July 2010

(14 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Gauke Portrait Mr Gauke
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Yes, the OTS could consider such matters. Essentially, rates will not be matters of complexity and will be entirely for the House to consider. However, the point that my hon. Friend highlights is one that the OTS might well be looking at in its small business review.

Alun Cairns Portrait Alun Cairns (Vale of Glamorgan) (Con)
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I am grateful to the Exchequer Secretary for his statement. Will the OTS receive representations from business organisations and individuals who can make a contribution to simplifying the tax structure?

David Gauke Portrait Mr Gauke
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We will certainly encourage the OTS to take representations. Mr Whiting and Mr Jack are keen to do so and will be establishing consultative committees to provide organisations and businesses with an opportunity to have their say and more generally to engage with businesses. We believe that, in the tax area in particular, it is important that we engage with business. That has been a characteristic of this Government, and we hope to continue to do that.