Mayfair Tax Loophole
The Government is committed to tackling tax avoidance and evasion at all levels to ensure everyone pays the right tax at the right time. Avoidance (and evasion) damages the effectiveness of the tax system and imposes additional costs on all taxpayers This loophole is part of the capital gains system and was agreed by the […]
Microbeads
I know that there is some concern locally about plastic microbeads. I understand and share your concerns about the impact these ingredients can have on the marine environment and fish. That is why I am pleased to tell you that, following work with the industry to achieve a voluntary phase-out, the Government has announced plans […]
Transgender and the Sexual Offences Act
A number of constituents have contacted me about the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and how it applies to transgender people. They are concerned that the Act can be misinterpreted and wrongfully target trans people as sexual predators if they do not make full disclosure about their background when initiating a relationship. I am not a lawyer but, […]
Funding refuges.
I know that there is some concern about changes to Housing Benefit and the equivalent in Universal Credit from April 2018. The changes to Housing Benefit announced in the 2015 Autumn Statement involve aligning the rules for claimants in the social sector with those for claimants renting privately. Over the last five years, average social […]
Breeding and sale of puppies and kittens – Debate
The debate helped clarify the claim that dog breeders only need a licence if they have a bitch producing five or more litters per year. The Department for the Environment discovered that when the relevant Act came into force under the last Government, the Home Office sent a circular indicating this; however, it is now […]