Feb62017

Press release: PM congratulates the Queen on her Sapphire Jubilee

HM Government
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Prime Minister Theresa May, on behalf of the nation, congratulated Her Majesty the Queen on her 65-year reign.

Prime Minister Theresa May said:

Today’s Sapphire Jubilee marks yet another remarkable milestone for our remarkable Queen.

I know the nation will join with me today in celebrating and giving thanks for the lifetime of service Her Majesty the Queen has given to our country and to the Commonwealth. It is a testament to her selfless devotion to the nation that she is not marking becoming the first monarch to reign for 65 years with any special celebration, but instead getting on with the job to which she has dedicated her life.

She has truly been an inspiration to all of us and I am proud, on behalf of the nation, to offer our humble thanks and congratulations on celebrating her Sapphire Jubilee.

Feb62017

‘Together We’re Stronger’

Scottish Labour
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6 February 2017

Scottish Labour is to hold its annual conference in Perth this month, unveiling the theme ‘Together We’re Stronger’.

Leader Kezia Dugdale will welcome UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, London Mayor Sadiq Khan, UK Labour deputy leader Tom Watson and other high-profile speakers to the Fair City.

To attend the conference, click here.

As part of the ‘Together We’re Stronger’ theme, Scottish Labour will firmly oppose the SNP’s divisive plans for a second independence referendum and the austerity of the Tories and the SNP that is dividing communities.

The conference will be held in Perth Concert Hall between February 24 and 26.

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said:

“I’m delighted that Scottish Labour is returning to Perth this year for our annual conference.

“We always receive a great welcome, and the hundreds of Labour delegates attending will help to boost the local economy. I look forward to welcoming Jeremy Corbyn, Sadiq Khan, Tom Watson and our other speakers to the city.

“The last few years have been among the most dramatic in UK political history. The full implications for our country may not be known for some time, however one thing is clear now more than ever – people need a strong Scottish Labour Party focused on growing our economy, investing in public services and giving everybody a fair chance in life.

“Our country is divided enough, which is why Scottish Labour will firmly oppose the SNP’s reckless plans for a second independence referendum. Together, our country can be stronger.”

UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said:

“I will be bringing a message that only a Labour government would hand back wealth and control to people and communities.

“That only a Labour Government would put the public back into our economy, fix our rigged economy and break the grip of vested interests to help the many not the few.

“That only a Labour Government would redistribute power and wealth and shrink the gap in income and wealth, making sure the corporations and the richest pay their fair share of taxes.

“And that only a Labour Government would end the race to the bottom in the jobs market and guarantee education and employment rights for all.”

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said:

“I’m very much looking forward to visiting Perth for Scottish Labour’s annual conference.

“I’m working to grow the relationship between London and the great Scottish cities such as Perth, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen. London and Scotland share many of the same challenges following the Brexit vote.

“Kezia Dugdale has set out a welcome and ambitious vision for our United Kingdom. As Mayor of London, I am forging a new cross-party consensus on further devolution to the UK capital.

“As in Scotland, this is about protecting jobs, wealth and prosperity. Londoners should have more control over how taxes raised in our city are spent.

“The entire country will benefit from this – if we increase investment, London and the UK will grow.”

Feb62017

Press release: HMRC wins ‘alternative money’ lap dance case

HM Government
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Wiltonpark LTD faces a tax bill estimated at more than half a million pounds.

Wiltonpark LTD, owner of five London-based ‘gentlemen’s clubs’ branded ‘Secrets’, has lost its tax battle with HM Revenue and Customs and now faces a tax bill estimated at more than half a million pounds.

Wiltonpark issued vouchers to their customers to pay the dancers and the club then charged the self-employed dancers a 20% fee to cash-in the ‘Secrets’ branded ‘money’. The club argued that the fee charged didn’t attract VAT as they were simply holding the money safely on the dancers’ behalf – HMRC disagreed.

The Court of Appeal has agreed with HMRC that the club’s income from charging dancers for redeeming the vouchers is in fact taxable.

Jim Harra, Director General, Customer Strategy and Tax Design, HMRC, said:

HMRC always intervenes when it seems to us that tax due under the law is not being paid. This is a prime example. Our work ensures that everyone pays the tax due, creating a level playing field for all businesses.

We’re investigating clubs who use similar schemes and there’s a potential tax liability running into the millions at stake – money that is needed to pay for the UK’s vital public services.

  1. Please find a link to the judgement which outlines the technicalities in relation to this case here
  2. HMRC believed this business model sidestepped VAT payments due on the redemption fees charged. The clubs argued that the charge amounted to keeping the money secure for the dancers and therefore was exempt for VAT purposes.
  3. However, the Court of appeal case ruled against the clubs and agreed with HMRC that the charges the club put on the dancers who redeemed the vouchers was taxable.
  4. Follow HMRC’s Press Office on Twitter @HMRCpressoffice
  5. HMRC’s Flickr channel