The Conservative Party made the landmark announcement today that IR35 will be reviewed as part of an overall review of small business taxation should they win the General Election in May.

In a letter today to Chris Bryce, PCG Chairman, the Shadow Business Minister, Mark Prisk MP said that due to PCG’s strong representations to him and to Shadow Treasury Ministers that “a Conservative Government would undertake a fundamental review of small business taxation matters, including IR35.”

The Conservative’s would set IR35 as a priority for a newly established Office of Tax Simplification. This body will be made up of tax experts with whom PCG would work closely.

Prisk went on: “...we recognise and value the contribution of freelancers and we are well aware of the way in which the current Government has treated them. We want to deal with this problem comprehensively, in a way which provides us all with a lasting solution, not a short term fix.”

IR35 has, since 1999, caused massive and unjustifiable problems for freelancers. Despite this, the nation's 1.4 million freelancers still contribute £21 billion to the economy. It's time to look at making the whole system clearer, fairer and better for all.

Commenting on behalf of PCG, Chris Bryce said:

“This shows that the Conservative Party has been listening to and understanding the messages that PCG has given them. We believe this solution has the potential to lead to a fairer and more workable tax regime for the vast majority of those who work freelance. PCG, however, will not be complacent. It will continue to make the strongest possible representations to any Government of whatever colour after the election to remove IR35 which is a grossly unfair and badly drafted piece of legislation.” 

Ends

Note to editors:

PCG, the voice of freelancing, is an independent association that represents, supports and promotes the freelance community in the UK.  PCG exists to serve the needs of its membership, which has grown steadily to encompass circa 20,000 freelancers, contractors and consultants.

For further information:

                   Jim Cassidy

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