Pictured: Mark Hildred
Moore Thompson chartered accountants are warning that a crack
team of more 2,000 tax inspectors is to be set up by HM Revenue and
Customs (HMRC) to target tax avoidance and evasion.
The move was announced by Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny
Alexander during his speech to the Liberal Democrats' autumn
conference.
Mark Hildred a partner at the firm said "The team of 2,250, with
more than 1,000 of these jobs being advertised this month, will
target an estimated 350,000 UK residents whose personal wealth
exceeds £2.5 million".
During his speech, Mr Alexander also pushed the coalition
Government to increase the income tax threshold from £10,000
to £12,500.
Dismissing suggested tax cuts for the wealthiest, he told the
conference: "If we are all in this together, those with the
broadest shoulders must bear the greatest burden.
"Fair taxation of the wealthiest is key to our deficit reduction
plan. Of course, if a better way can be found to raise money from
this group, I will be willing to consider it.
"But right now we must focus relentlessly on those who are
struggling, and we need to make sure that tax owed is tax
paid."