How many times over the years have HMRC assured us that they will help the lowest income population understand their tax responsibilities? 13 years ago they had the answer.......what happened?

Felt it appropriate to wear the gift the US Department of Defence gave to me when I addressed 1200 @ADSgroupUK members yesterday to thank them for all they do for our security and prosperity. We are in a period that is considered by some to be pre-war, where China is superior in 37 out of the 44 key technologies mapped by Australia’s technology tracker. Britian needs to wake up and speed up. I outlined: -Why we must increase defence spending and RnD -What the Industrial Strategy needs to deliver -We need American economic and hard power primacy. When actions threaten this, including by the US, it is in our interest to call it out. Britain needs an America first policy, too. -What the consequences of DeepSeek are for Taiwan -Why we must retain an independent trade policy and regulatory autonomy. -Why our generation must deter Russian expansionism, and the security guarantees we must give to Ukraine. All is possible, if we have the will to do it. Finally, I spelt out why we must.

Labour humoured the Waspi women for too long. My ⁦@NewStatesman⁩ piece on why the Government was right to reject claims for compensation but wrong to raise hopes in the first place. newstatesman.com/comment/202…

Agreed and don't forget to call in on the National Portrait Gallery (@NPGLondon) next door. Another fine and developing collection.

As always the "smoke and mirrors" of a Budget presentation stripped bare by another critical analysis from Gareth ...well worth a read

Anything about the interest payable by HMRC on overpayments?

Mine are bloodshot....too much laptop activity...glad yours seems to have gone well.

Glad to see you applying your analytical skills to a national problem. It will be easier to solve than dealing with HMRC issues.

I had several friendly meetings with David when he was wrestling with the merger. He was supportive of protecting those on the lowest incomes. I couldn't get him to discuss Charlton!

Good luck with your mission. Independents are very important in the advice sector.

Heading to London for the #AdviceSaves parliamentary reception briefing. An opportunity to raise awareness of the transformational role free and independent advice services play within communities, and to call for action to ensure they survive and thrive! @AdviceUK @NAWRA_UK

....and this is a surprise?

Desperately sad news. Not a decision made on merit or track record I would guess. Perhaps Citizens Advice would like to share their grant with you.

Once again good work by LITRG to highlight difficult areas in the gig economy and suggest what should be done to avoid problems in the future. litrg.org.uk/sites/default/f…

If only......

Not being in the mainstream of dealing with HMRC any more I have been clearing my cupboards of stuff which might have been worth reading again one day. Such as HMRC's Vision from 15 years ago. I wonder how they are getting on?

The view from my window a few minutes ago

Very nice too... I was once filmed for Newsnight to comment on the late Queen paying tax...my face was so appealing that they only showed my hand signing an SA return.....

We are in the age old territory of no increase in tax rates...hurray.....but removal of all the reliefs that keep the tax you actually pay at the same level...boo

Not a chance.......