End this loan charge hell now, HMRC boss Sir Jonathan Thompson, before innocent lives ruined – The Yorkshire Post says
If only. Now these people – many of whom are individuals on modest incomes – are being made to pay the price after a loophole was closed.
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Hide AdThe consequence is retrospective tax bills which are so punitive that many face financial ruin, including the prospect of losing their own home. They are enduring a living hell. A handful are said to have taken their own lives because of the anxiety caused to them.
And while The Yorkshire Post remains at the forefront of calls for the Treasury to halt this draconian policy while a review is undertaken, the latest letter sent by All-Party Parliamentary Loan Charge Group to HMRC boss Sir Jonathan Thompson vindicates our stance.
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Hide AdIts contents are alarming. “We were alarmed to hear tax professionals describe HMRC behaviour as including ‘threats, delays, aggressive communication, bullying and incompetence’,” says the document which then sets out how people are being ‘coerced’ into making settlements.
It goes on: “We are deeply concerned at the fact, that despite public assurances form HMRC and Ministers, HMRC are telling people they may have to sell their home. In cases we have seen, HMRC are threatening people with bankruptcy.”
And it adds: “The reality... is that HMRC pass people’s disrupted tax debts to third party debt collection services who then aggressively pursue the individuals.”
Sir Jonathan, this is happening on your watch. Just when do you intend to halt this appalling malpractice?