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During a Westminster Hall debate, MPs raised concerns about proposed changes to the tax treatment of furnished holiday lettings (FHLs), arguing that they would lead to job losses and empty properties. A minister defended the government’s decision and said that abolishing the regime would create a level playing field.

During a House of Lords oral question session, concern was raised about delays in accessing tax incentive schemes. In response, a Treasury minister defended HMRC’s approach and offered to talk to HMRC about setting up a working group to look at improving EIS administration.

At a Treasury Committee hearing, HMRC’s chief executive defended the agency’s remote working policy and acknowledged a lack of expertise among HMRC staff in relation to processing R&D claims.

HMRC’s chief executive told MPs that planned closures of taxpayer helplines were cancelled because of the strength of reaction from stakeholders including professional bodies. He also said that HMRC is in discussions about getting extra resources for the helplines, but if the department does not get them they will have to reallocate resources from elsewhere.

The Senedd agreed the general principles of the Local Government Finance (Wales) Bill last week, after considering the recommendations of three of its committees. While the Welsh government accepted the majority of the recommendations, it rejected some, including the requirement for a statutory review of the use of regulation-making powers and the need for consultations before making regulations.

In his Budget of 6 March 2024, the Chancellor announced that the government will be prospectively abolishing the remittance basis of taxation for non-UK domiciled individuals with effect from April 2025. This note explains what is proposed.

Tax measures in the Finance Bill will “reward work” and protect families, insists the Government, but critics say frozen thresholds mean the tax burden will continue to rise.

Parliamentarians have launched a paper urging the Government to go ‘further and faster’ in its efforts to tackle economic crime, including legislating to require tax advisers and accountants to be members of a professional body.

Experts warn in this guest blog that some claims being made by firms offering help with SDLT refunds are too good to be true, and urge property buyers to exercise independent judgement before making a claim.

The Labour Party have set out proposals to fund additional HMRC compliance officers, invest more in HMRC digital services and close what it calls ‘major loopholes’ in the current government’s proposed replacement for the non-dom tax regime. They have also appointed an expert panel to advise on tax compliance and modernising HMRC.