Tackling tax dodging
Quakers sign open letter to George Osborne
Quakers have joined other Christian-based groups in urging the chancellor of the exchequer to crack down on tax dodging by the rich. They signed an open letter telling George Osborne that the wide gap between rich and poor is ‘tearing at the fabric of society’. They argue that ‘efficient collection’ of tax from corporations and wealthy individuals ‘would lessen the demand to cut social and welfare expenditure which is hurting the poorest in our communities so much’.
The letter, which was handed in at Downing Street on Monday, was signed by Gwen Schaffer on behalf of Quaker Peace & Social Witness. Other signatories included the Anglican bishop of Dudley, David Walker, and the president of the Methodist Conference, Leo Osborn. They were joined by Baptist, Roman Catholic and United Reformed Church representatives along with Christian NGOs such as Church Action on Poverty.
Their letter stated: ‘Tax evasion and avoidance is estimated by the Treasury to cost the UK purse at least £35 billion annually. Others estimate the number to be substantially higher.’ They point out that this is nearly nine percent of UK tax revenue.
The churches’ letter finishes with three practical suggestions. They want to end VAT anomalies that enable tax avoidance, abandon proposals that they say will encourage tax havens and introduce an ‘anti-avoidance rule’ into UK domestic law.
Comments
In the Hexham Debates this year, John Christensen of the Tax Justice Network will speak on globalisation’s Achilles heel; how tax havens wrecked the global economy” (24th March) and Paul Brannen, Christian Aid Campaigns manager will speak on “death, taxes and development: why aid is not the answer by taxes might be” (9th June)”
By Susan B on 3rd November 2011 - 17:39
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