Future of taxation in the UK

The EU referendum and the prolonged Brexit process have created considerable uncertainty. The coronavirus pandemic has added a whole new layer of uncertainty but it may also present the government with an opportunity to generate public support for tax reform. This has previously been difficult to achieve but the aftermath of the pandemic with strong public support for the NHS might be the ideal moment for an open debate about who should pay tax and how much they should contribute.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) has a public interest remit a duty to act not solely for its members but for the wider good. We do not comment on tax rates but we do want transparency and public participation in the process of setting tax policy. There are difficult decisions to be taken and...