Make your voice heard at HM Treasury
November 7, 2008 in Tax
As the Pre Budget Report approaches, Parasol are continuing to lobby key figures at HM Treasury as they prepare their response to the consultation on tax relief on travel expenses. If you haven’t already heard about the consultation, the Government is considering the abolition of tax relief on travel and subsistence expenses for umbrella contractors, or enforcing existing arrangements more rigorously through changes to legislation.
If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you’ll already know that my views are very clear. We would welcome proper policing of the existing system but feel very strongly that contractors shouldn’t be penalised for operating legally with compliant companies such as ours.
Now SPA (Service Providers Association), of which we are founding members, want to know your views. The information you provide will add weight to the argument we’re putting forward and will allow us to represent your views at the highest levels.
I’m sure you’re in the middle of a busy day, but please take a moment to complete the short survey below. Remember, it’s your chance to have your say about your career.
http://FreeOnlineSurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?sid=nidgivvg1uj05jn491875
We’re expecting the Pre Budget Report before the end of November so will be sure to let you know the outcome of our efforts.
by Rob Crossland
Pre budget delivers a sensible result for umbrella contractors
November 24, 2008 in Business Expenses, Industry comment
Buried amongst the headlines of today’s Pre Budget Report (PBR) came the news that the Government had listened to contractors, compliant umbrella companies, agencies and trade bodies. Under the heading “Helping People Fairly” the Treasury has “…decided to leave the current rules (Tax relief for travel expenses; temporary workers and overarching employment contracts) unchanged.” This is great news for contractors who work for Parasol and means that the risks that contractors take in finding work, travelling and working hard have been recognised. Treasury goes on to suggest that HMRC will refocus its efforts on ensuring poor levels of compliance are addressed. A measure Parasol wholeheartedly agrees with and promoted as the correct solution through lobbying and consultation directly and via the Service Providers Association (SPA).
Parasol has always promoted the accurate and ethical claiming of expenses and has never put contractors’ livelihoods at risk. In some ways, the news in today’s PBR vindicates that stance.
We will continue to work with HM Treasury and HMRC to ensure contractors’ and freelancers’ unique place in the UK economy is recognised and understood. We welcome this sensible approach by the Government in times which are already challenging enough.
No Comments »