The Tories are doubting HMRC’s tax gap data

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I note the Telegraph is reporting that Tories are now doubting HMRC’s tax gap data:

Michael Fallon, a senior member of the Commons’ Treasury Select Committee, questioned how HMRC could be certain of its figures.

He said: “How can we sure ? If they can’t get lawful tax right, how can they measure what they can’t count?

“This shows how HMRC needs to raise its game and casts serious doubt on past ‘efficiency savings’ by HMRC.”

David Gauke, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said: “The tax gap number is staggering.

“This Government is committed to taking the necessary action to bring it down - taking steps to reduce tax avoidance and evasion, including by the richest people in our society, so that everyone pays their fair share and we reduce the tax gap over the coming years.”

Three welcome things.

First the doubt is now real.

Second the demand for better numbers will follow.

Third, action has to follow.

And that’s what I want. So I won’t complain IF it happens.


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