CPS Headlines
Tax Simplifier blog series from David Martin launches
Policy into Action: Tony Lodge's 'Rail's Second Chance' noticed by ORR and Parliament
Charles Moore book launch at CPS
Tax Simplifier blog series launches
In opposition, the current Chancellor spoke of implementing a bold tax reform agenda. This has not yet materialised in government. Instead, the recent attempt to close a loophole to stop utility companies exploiting allowances shows that politicians are constantly tinkering with the tax code. In truth, this is because of a lack of an overall strategic agenda and philosophy in shaping the tax system.
Over the past two weeks we have launched the ‘Tax Simplifier’ blog. CPS tax expert
David Martin is now writing on Mondays and Thursdays outlining his programme of practical simplifications to the tax system. His new Twitter page
@TaxSimplifier provides a forum to debate and comment on his suggestions. For those of you interested in the subject, get involved and express your views on how we can progress in this important policy area.
Read the first four instalments, along with an introduction, here:
Intro -
Our tax system is a mess. But something can be done.
Tax Simplifier 1: Defining the Tax Base
Tax Simplifier 2: Dividend Taxation
Tax Simplifier 3: The GAAR
Tax Simplifier 4: Capital Gains Tax - Let's rollover!
Head of Economic Research
Ryan Bourne also contributed to the recent Corporation Tax debate in a
article in the Daily Telegraph.
"
The Public Accounts Committee chairman describes Google as “evil” for exploiting tax loopholes to minimise their liabilities. She is not alone. Politicians routinely condemn tax avoidance as “immoral”, and fall over themselves to bash the big corporations.
Yet, while legitimate questions can be raised on the legality of individual company decisions, and the apparently cosy relationship of some with HMRC, it’s time our legislators took a step back to consider the wider implications of their stance, before shrill posturing begins to cause long-term harm to the UK economy."
Iran Debate - Douglas Murray v Peter Oborne
We are delighted to be joined by Douglas Murray, Associate Director of the Henry Jackson Society and commentator on foreign policy issues, and Peter Oborne, Daily Telegraph Chief Political Commentator and author of 'A Dangerous Delusion: Why the Iranian Nuclear Myth is a Threat', for a debate on "Is the Iranian threat a 'Dangerous Delusion'?". The debate will be chaired by Conservative MP Adam Holloway and takes place this coming Tuesday, 25 June.
Spaces are limited and will be allocated at the sole discretion of the CPS. The event is 6.30pm at a Westminster venue.
To attend please contact Ryan Bourne: ryan@cps.org.uk or 0207 222 4488 stating your name and affiliation.
Open Access builds momentum
Twenty years on from the Railways Act and most observers accept that the first ten years were the most challenging with a catalogue of appalling safety failures, particularly at Southall (1997) and Hatfield (2000), alongside a distinct lack of any of the much vaunted competition which so appealed to Tories as the Railways Bill was being debated.
Today, there is real progress, at last. In March the CPS published
Tony Lodge's evidence-based research
Rail’s Second Chance – putting competition back on track, which exposed the fact that where non-franchised long distance rail competition had been permitted, (albeit on far too small a scale) and known as ‘open access’ then fares rose more slowly, passengers were happier, more routes and services were available and more people were using the railway therefore delivering higher revenues.
The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) seems to have accepted Tony's conclusion in its snazzily titled 815 page ‘Draft determination of Network Rail's outputs and funding for 2014-19’.
Read more here.
In addition, Stewart Jackson MP yesterday referenced the report in the East Coast Main Line debate.
See here for a write up and video of his comments.
Charles Moore Book Launch at CPS
The CPS organised a book launch for Margaret Thatcher's authorised biographer Charles Moore, who also gave the
2012 CPS Margaret Thatcher Lecture.
Charles spoke about his book 'Margaret Thatcher: The Authorized Biography, Volume One: Not For Turning' and retold some of the stories from within including Margaret Thatcher's experiences in founding the CPS.
Charles Moore will speak at the Chalke Valley History Festival along with other illustrious speakers including Boris Johnson, Ian Hislop, Paddy Ashdown, Max Hastings and Tom Stoppard. The event is from Monday 24 June - Sunday 30 June 2013. For tickets, a full list of speakers and more information,
click here.
To see images from the event, click the link below:
Charles Moore gallery
