Issue - meetings

The Government believes that relevant bodies should be criminally liable where they fail to prevent those who act for them, or on their behalf, from criminally facilitating tax evasion.  In order to demonstrate that the Council acknowledges its responsibilities with regard to tax it undertakes to prepare an annual Tax Strategy. The revised Tax Strategy 2020-2022 is attached at Annexe 1.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Executive approves the attached revised Tax Strategy 2020-22.

54.1    Cllr Merryweather introduced the revised Tax Strategy, which acknowledged the Council’s responsibilities with regards to tax under the Legislation in Criminal Finances Act 2017 and the Corporate Criminal Offence guidance issued by HMRC in September 2017.

54.2    In response to comments from Cllr Hyman, Cllr Merryweather explained that the Strategy was consistent with HMRC guidance.

54.3    The Executive RESOLVED to approve the revised Tax Strategy 2020-22.

Reason: The Council is required to have in place a Tax Strategy to fulfil its responsibilities under the Legislation in Criminal Finances Act 2017, and to respond appropriately to the Corporate Criminal Offence guidance from HMRC issued September 2017.