Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Mel Stride and Andrea Jenkyns

Tuesday 29th January 2019 Commons Chamber

[Mel Stride]

An important principle lies at the heart of the whole debate around the loan charge, which is that individuals should pay the tax that is due. If they enter into arrangements that basically mean they disguise income as a loan that they have no intention of ultimately repaying—money that is, more often than not, routed via low or no-tax jurisdictions overseas, via a trust, then brought back into the United Kingdom by way of payment—the Government believe that that is wrong, and the tax should be paid.

[Andrea Jenkyns (Morley and Outwood) (Con)]

What assessment has the Chancellor made concerning an immediate suspension of the loan charge and all settlement discussions within an appropriate period, to allow the loan charge review to be properly conducted and any recommendations to alter the legislation to be implemented?

[Mel Stride]

My hon. Friend will know that the loan charge was brought into effect in 2016. It allowed three years for individuals to clean up the loans—if they were loans, they could be refinanced on a proper, commercial basis—or to come to an arrangement with HMRC. The most important message that I can give from the Dispatch Box today to those involved in these schemes is to get out of avoidance, to get in touch with HMRC and to settle their affairs. They will have a sympathetic and proportionate hearing.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Mel Stride and Andrea Jenkyns

Tuesday 17th April 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mel Stride]

The business rates review is being undertaken by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

[Andrea Jenkyns (Morley and Outwood) (Con)]

3. What fiscal steps his Department is taking to increase productivity.