AAT public affairs and public policy activities: April 2020

1 May 2020

Houses of Parliament viewed from across the river Thames

Every month AAT highlights some of the key public affairs and public policy activities undertaken on behalf of our members.

Below you'll find some key highlights for April 2020.

If you'd like any further information about any of these issues please contact Phil Hall, AAT Head of Public Affairs & Public Policy, via Twitter or via email.

Another campaign success for AAT: Licensed Accountants accredited by CQC

Since February 2018, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has required care providers to submit a statement of financial viability in the form of a statement letter from an "accredited financial specialist".

As a result of AAT lobbying, as of April 2020 this now includes AAT Licensed Accountants.

Stakeholder engagement

Despite the current restrictions, engagement with over 40 stakeholders took place in April. This included the CBI, TUC and law firms in relation to plans for new freeports; with Retailers Against VAT Abuse Schemes (RAVAS) in relation to online VAT fraud; and the chief executives and managing directors of various construction industry organisations in relation to Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) abuse.

Parliamentary engagement

Engagement with 12 parliamentarians in April centred on subjects including government plans for Freeports, the revised HMRC Charter, online VAT fraud and financial assistance for businesses and the self-employed as a result of the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.

AAT consultations, calls for evidence and inquiry responses

AAT provided consultation responses on abuse of the CIS and the revised HMRC Charter, and on an elections and claims call for evidence from the Office of Tax Simplification.

These responses can be viewed on the AAT public policy work page.

Looking ahead, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury issued a ministerial statement about consultation responses this week. The statement confirmed that due to the disruption caused by Covid-19, in order for all stakeholders to have sufficient time to submit their views, the government has extended the consultation deadlines for tax policy consultations, with most now pushed back until August 2020.

Other events, meetings and engagement

  • We participated in the HMRC Virtual Communications Group meeting.
  • We participated in a CBI webinar with Paul Scully MP, the new Small Business Minister.
  • We watched virtual meetings of both Treasury and Business Select Committee evidence sessions on the financial impact of coronavirus on British businesses.
  • We participated in a Resolution Foundation webinar on new policies to deal with long term financial effects of coronavirus.
  • Mark Farrar participated in a conference call with the Federation of Small Business, Institute of Directors, Chamber of Commerce and five other institutions that represent the small business community to discuss potential areas of lobbying activity.
  • We had a constructive phone call with the new Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury to discuss a wide range of AAT activities.
  • We responded to a wide range of coronavirus-related concerns from AAT members.
  • We participated in an Institute for Government webinar.