I'm back; she's not!

I'm back; she's not!

Key points * The reduction in the main rate or corporation tax and the reform of capital allowances. * Future inheritance tax exemption increases. * Tax relief for energy-saving measures for corporate landlords. * Relief from stamp duty land tax for zero-carbon homes.

THE ANNUAL DISCUSSION of the Finance Bill started on 8 May. This year's chairmen are Mr Roger Gale and Mr Eric Illsley; perhaps taking account of global warming Mr Gale allowed jackets to be removed. The Chief Secretary to the Treasury Mr Stephen Timms kicked off the discussion announcing that he was 'delighted to be back' after several years away from the committee although noting — to general sympathy — that the Paymaster General would not be appearing this year due to recent hospitalisation. He Mrs Theresa Villiers (for the Conservatives) and Julia Goldsworthy (for the Liberal Democrats)...