This week's opinion: 28 November 2019

Today’s edition features articles written by winning teams or individuals at the 2019 Taxation Awards. As proven experts in their field they are uniquely placed to comment on the issues of the day and I hope that you will enjoy reading what they have to say. Another reason why we publish these special awards editions is to remind you that the 2020 awards have been launched (see www.taxationawards.co.uk). If you haven’t thought about entering yet, now is the time to consider doing so – not only do you have the chance of winning but you also could see your name in the magazine.

Authoritative commentary on tax issues of the day is never more important than during an election. Tax has featured prominently in the debate so far and, as we get closer to the election date, is likely to become a defining issue. Like me, you probably welcome the discussion but at the same time despair at the lack of understanding of how the tax system works. This is not to make a political point: wherever you sit in the political spectrum you have a right to a proper explanation of the fundamentals. I have lost count of the times that I have cringed when speakers confuse turnover with profit.

We at Taxation have a part to play here. We are never going to be the holiday reading of choice for the public but we can be influential behind the scenes. For example we are quoted in parliamentary briefing papers used to inform MPs about key issues of the day. That brings us back to the awards. They are not just a great night out – they enable us to recognise excellence in a key area of public policy. See you on 14 May.