‘No change of stance’ on avoidance

‘There's absolutely no question of HMRC softening its approach to tackling avoidance and HMRC will continue to ensure that everyone pays the right tax ’ a spokesman told Tax Journal after reports suggested that tax officials were to take a softer stance on avoidance.

HMRC signalled a more ‘conciliatory’ approach to disputes with business in a move which was according to a Financial Times report part of a drive for greater efficiency. The move was designed to ‘cut a mounting legal logjam and unlock billions of pounds tied up in court battles over avoidance’.

The FT quoted Dave Hartnett HMRC’s permanent secretary for...