John Whiting

The Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) will be established on a statutory basis as a permanent and independent arm of the Treasury, the government has announced.

Documentation of last week’s Budget confirms that OTS will increase its staffing level and take on a wider role, looking further into the implementation of its own ideas to generate clear maps for tax reform, as well as continuing its study of specific areas of the system on a project basis.

The Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) has refreshed its drive for user-friendly tax policies, by counselling the government on the key principles for avoiding complexity.

New advice from the independent Treasury body urges ministers and civil servants to ensure each proposed tax measure meets policy aims, has careful focus and accurate design, and is maintained properly.

Interim report plans to patch up “fiscal footwear”