Taxation logo taxation mission text

Since 1927 the leading authority on tax law, practice and administration

Stop messing about

11 December 2012 / Mike Truman
Issue: 4383 / Categories: Comment & Analysis , autumn statement 2012 , Admin
MIKE TRUMAN sees an unfortunate connection between George Osborne and Kenneth Williams

KEY POINTS

  • Government’s tax legislation strategy is in tatters.
  • Continual AIA limit changes: what will the transitional provisions be this time?
  • Why there will never be a higher-rate relief clawback on pension contributions.
  • Employee shareholders to be introduced despite negative consultation.

The late Kenneth Williams was mostly known for his facial expressions and funny voices but he did have a catchphrase devised for him by Galton and Simpson in Hancock’s Half Hour.

At some point in most episodes Williams would complain in a nasal drawl “Stop messing about”.

Looking at the changes to the tax system announced by the chancellor of the exchequer George Osborne in his autumn statement I find myself thinking exactly the same thing.

Let’s start with the fact that he was making tax announcements (and quite...

If you or your firm subscribes to Taxation.co.uk, please click the login box below:

If you are not a subscriber but are a registered user or have a free trial, please enter your details in the following boxes:

Alternatively, you can register free of charge to read a limited amount of subscriber content per month.
Once you have registered, you will receive an email directing you back to read this item in full.
back to top icon