Jump to content

Second reply from my MP re: HMRC


gogzy

Recommended Posts

Got a reply from my MP Lindsay Roy. He has sent a letter to the chancellor George Osborne, i'll paste it in below:

Rt. Hon. George Osborne MP

Chancellor of the Exchequer

HM Treasury

1 Horse Guards Road

London

SW1A 2HQ

Our Ref: JM/OSBO01001/01130029

21 January 2013

Dear George,

HMRC Involvement with Glasgow Rangers FC

As you will probably be aware, HMRC has recently been investigating the financial affairs of Glasgow Rangers FC, culminating in a tax tribunal which reported recently.

I have no quarrel with any decisions by HMRC to vigorously pursue cases of tax avoidance – up to and including tax tribunals.

However, notwithstanding this, I am exceedingly concerned about the way in which the pursuit of Rangers was handled by HMRC and believe that you, as Chancellor, with ultimate political responsibility for the work of HMRC, should ensure that actions in this case are reviewed.

I am concerned that throughout this long saga there has been a constant stream of detailed information, about Rangers’ financial position and the progress of the various tax cases, being leaked to bloggers and journalists, presumably from within HMRC, since it is not obvious from where else it could have come.

It is widely believed that these leaks were deliberate, malicious and linked to campaigns whose objectives were to undermine Rangers FC, its financial position and integrity.

Given that many believe the publicity surrounding the tax cases undermined the club’s financial credibility, deterred possible alternative owners and thus indirectly led to administration then liquidation, the leaks can be seen to have had a major effect upon what happened.

The second matter of concern is the delay before the final decision of the tax tribunal was produced.

The long period of uncertainty undoubtedly destabilized the club and, together with the leakage of information, played a part in its eventual liquidation.

This is not simply a matter of historical interest since I understand that HMRC are intending to appeal the tax tribunal decision.

While such a strategic choice is a matter entirely for them, which neither of us should seek to influence, nevertheless the length of any appeal process is properly a matter of public concern.

At a time when the possible restructuring of football leagues in Scotland is being contemplated it would be disruptive in the extreme for the status and reputation of one of the major participants to be under doubt any longer than was absolutely necessary.

In these circumstances I believe that it is your responsibility to ensure that the way in which HMRC dealt with Glasgow Rangers is examined, that the source or sources of the leaks are pursued and that appropriate actions are taken.

Secondly, I would welcome your intervention to ensure that there is no unnecessary delay in the progressing of any HMRC appeal, in order that uncertainty for football in Scotland can be minimized.

I look forward to hearing from you how you believe these matters can best be pursued.

Yours sincerely,

EDIT: thanks to WVB for spurring me on to writing the emails.

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • Replies 50
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Thanks Mr Roy a well written letter.

However the reply will be, no comment I'm afraid

I get the feeling that "no comment" might not be enough very soon.

My last email from Lindsay said that there were a lot of MP's "rightfully" investigating this.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Upcoming Events

    • 21 April 2024 14:00 Until 16:00
      0  
      Rangers v Hearts
      Hampden Park
      Scottish Cup

×
×
  • Create New...