IPSE: Unprecedented HMRC appointment shows Chancellor is listening to frustrated taxpayers
After calling for closer political oversight of HMRC, IPSE has welcomed the Chancellor's decision to appoint a government minister to chair HMRC's board for the first time.
The UK’s self-employed association has praised the appointment of a government minister to Chair HMRC’s board following recent criticism of the department’s performance – marking the first time a political official has held the position.
The appointment of Exchequer Secretary James Murray MP to Chair HMRC’s board came as part of a package of measures announced by the Chancellor in her speech at the Labour Party Conference this week. As a non-ministerial department, HMRC traditionally operates at arm's length from government ministers.
The UK’s self-employed association, IPSE, has praised the decision.
IPSE’s Policy Director Andy Chamberlain said: “For the Chancellor to break with convention and charge a minister with keeping a closer eye on HMRC is a bold step – but the right one.
“Taxpayers have become immensely frustrated with the service they’re getting from the taxman and feel they have no recourse through elected officials when the department acts unfairly.
“We’ve been campaigning for stronger ministerial oversight of HMRC as a means to turn the ship around and build more trust between taxpayers and the taxman. We welcome James Murray’s appointment as Chair of HMRC’s board and look forward to supporting his work on HMRC’s strategic priorities.”
ENDS
The latest self-employed news and opinion
IPSE’s Josh Toovey argues new late payment laws will protect freelancers with capped terms, automatic interest, and stronger powers to deter repeat offenders.
IPSE has welcomed new measures to tackle late payments to freelancers and small businesses.
IPSE's Fred Hicks calls on the government to clarify who counts as a ‘working person' – as growing ambiguity leaves the self-employed increasingly uneasy about th...
