Office of Tax Simplification Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Office of Tax Simplification

Charlie Elphicke Excerpts
Tuesday 20th July 2010

(14 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Gauke Portrait Mr Gauke
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All policy decisions will be for the House and Ministers. The hon. Lady makes the fair point that one cannot take politics entirely out of the tax system, but there are times when it is simply a question of complexity versus simplicity. There is scope for improvement, which is what I hope the OTS will be able to deliver.

Charlie Elphicke Portrait Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con)
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Will the Minister make a special effort to simplify tax legislation so that it is understandable for ordinary people? As a former tax lawyer—a poacher turned gamekeeper—I know that too often, the best advice is the preserve of the richest. That is not fair.

David Gauke Portrait Mr Gauke
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My hon. Friend, too, makes a good point. On the day of the Budget we published our document “Tax policy making: a new approach”, which set out a more consultative and deliberative approach to tax law, ensuring that draft legislation is properly examined. We think that that is to the advantage of all people; greater clarity in tax law is clearly helpful.