Parliament Matters
In this week’s coverage from Parliament, one MP is concerned that vape shops are evading tax while another MP wants to see vape tank size reduced even further
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by Dave Cross
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Damning evidence from the House of Commons this week as MPs prove there is no limit to the stupidity of their ideas. Labour’s Jo Platt seems to think that vape stores should be unfairly singled out with an accusation of tax evasion. Plus, the Conservative’s Richard Holden appears to believe that a 2ml tank is too big and should be reduced in capacity – something Ashley Dalton hints may well happen.
Leigh and Atherton’s Jo Platt asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps the Department is taking to tackle tax evasion in vape shops. Platt did not explain what it was that made her think this was happening. This is the same MP who, in January, believes that high streets are full of vape adverts designed to appeal to children.
Exchequer Secretary James Murray told her: “The Government recognises that sometimes businesses do not declare all of their income and thereby conceal their true earnings. We are committed to creating a level playing field for all, by ensuring that everyone pays the right amount of tax at the right time, to ensure trust and fairness in the tax system.
“Most taxpayers pay what they owe, but a small minority fail to register with HMRC or only declare a portion of their earnings. This small minority deprive our vital public services of funding, affect fair competition between businesses, and place unfair burdens on everyone else. It is vital these revenues are collected to fund our essential public services. Closing the tax gap and making sure that more of the tax that is owed is correctly paid, is one of the Government’s top priorities for HMRC.”
He continued: “HMRC is making it increasingly difficult for businesses to hide their earnings and have an extensive range of powers, including information gathering powers, that help build a picture of risk and identify those who are trying to abuse the system. HMRC’s approach to tax evasion aims to tackle current non-compliance and change future behaviours. These range from producing learning packages on tax obligations for schools, through to national campaigns and specialist task forces which incorporate intensive bursts of compliance activity in specific trade sectors and locations across the UK. HMRC undertakes a range of compliance activity, across every sector of the economy, to ensure that our customers are paying the correct amount of tax.”
Err, so absolutely nothing about vape stores and tax avoidance. We are going through an extended period of blessed leadership. Talking about political masterminds, step forward Richard Holden – another absolute titan.
The Opposition Whip and Shadow Paymaster General asked the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care whether the forthcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill will restrict the size of vape tanks. Why? Who knows? Somehow it’s doubtful that Holden knows either given that he is the genius who believes the British ‘pie and mash’ meal should be given protected status. Remember him? This is the MP who was so “bloody loyal” to his North West Durham constituency that he used his position to make himself the only name on the list for the super safe vacant seat in Basildon and Billericay.
New-to-post Parliamentary Under-Secretary Ashley Dalton replied: “Whilst nicotine vapes are already subject to tank size requirements, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill goes further and covers all types of vapes, both nicotine and non-nicotine, and consumer nicotine products.
“As stated in our previous answer, the bill provides powers on product features that allow the Government to regulate the size of a tank or refill container, and the amount of liquid that can be included, as well as powers to standardise the size and shape of vapes, and to further restrict liquid availability.
“Subject to consultation, regulation making powers in the Government’s bill will allow us to amend or place additional requirements and limits on vape tank sizes, and the size of refill tanks. The Government will consider this issue further as part of its secondary legislation programme after Royal Assent.”
Read that last paragraph again and try not to release a heavy sigh.
Photo Credit:
MP images: Richard Holden ©House of Commons, Joanne Platt ©House of Commons/Roger Harris
Dave Cross
Journalist at POTVDave is a freelance writer; with articles on music, motorbikes, football, pop-science, vaping and tobacco harm reduction in Sounds, Melody Maker, UBG, AWoL, Bike, When Saturday Comes, Vape News Magazine, and syndicated across the Johnston Press group. He was published in an anthology of “Greatest Football Writing”, but still believes this was a mistake. Dave contributes sketches to comedy shows and used to co-host a radio sketch show. He’s worked with numerous start-ups to develop content for their websites.
