MP calls for personal statements setting out how taxes will be spent
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Conservative MP Ben Gummer will today call on the Government to introduce taxpayer statements explaining to people how their taxes will be spent.
Gummer’s proposal would see taxpayers get annual statements showing how much tax they will pay in the current year and the year to come as well as how money will be divided by and within Government departments.
Data in the statement would be based on Budget statements, p60s and tax returns. Around election time he says it could also include information on opposition plans.
Gummer, who is the son of Aifa chairman John Gummer, says: “There is far too much obscurity in the tax system. Throwing into sharp relief the reality of how tax take is actually spent will make it much clearer and shift public debate.”
This year’s Budget is set for March 21 and Gummer says he wants it to include the introduction of the statements. The proposal will be made as a ten minute rule bill which rarely become law without Government backing. Gummer says the Treasury has given him “warm signals” over the idea. Yesterday, Treasury exchequer secretary David Gauke said he was “very much looking forward” to seeing the bill which is also backed by Treasury select committtee chiarman Andrew Tyrie.
Gummer says: “For a a backbench proposal I think it has about as much support as you can hope for.”
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