Blog

In this guest blog, Shimeon Lee, policy analyst at the TaxPayers’ Alliance, discusses the rising tax burden on entrepreneurs and suggests a number of ways the government could use the tax system to encourage entrepreneurship.

At JP Marks’ first Treasury Committee grilling on 4 June, the new chief executive and other HMRC officials faced criticism over poor customer service performance and a phishing scam that saw scammers steal £47 million from online accounts. HMRC said that they were grappling with increasing demand, system constraints and a growing threat of digital fraud.

During a Westminster Hall debate on 3 June, MPs criticised the government's inheritance tax changes, suggesting that they would threaten family farm businesses' sustainability, potentially leading to job losses and reduced investment. A government minister disagreed, arguing that their approach is “fair and balanced”.

During a Westminster Hall Debate on 4 June, MPs criticised the current business rate system, suggesting that the making relief less generous was hurting businesses. A minister defended the government’s approach, saying it is a priority for the government to ensure that high street businesses are protected.

Departing CIOT President Charlotte Barbour gave her valedictory speech at the Institute's Annual General Meeting on 29 May 2025

In her speech to CIOT’s Annual General Meeting on 29 May new President Nichola Ross Martin encouraged the government to take a more strategic approach to tax policy and said that making a success of MTD will need HMRC and tax professionals to continue to work closely together.

During an Opposition Day debate in the House of Commons on 21 May, Conservative MPs accused Labour of creating an anti-business environment. A number of them criticised HMRC for aggressively pursuing businesses.

On 12 May, MPs considered an e-petition which calls on the government to increase the income tax personal allowance to £20,000. Rejecting the proposal, the minister said it would cost £50 billion and require huge cuts to public spending.

The Senedd (Welsh Parliament) has rejected a Conservative motion calling for cuts in income tax and business rates, with a government minister accusing the Conservatives of proposing £660 million in unfunded tax cuts.

In this guest blog, James Browne and Isabel Atkinson of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change discuss how the UK can foster economic growth through strategic business tax reforms.