The next government must take a direct hand in rebuilding trust between HMRC and
the self-employed, according to the Association of Independent Professionals and
the Self-Employed (IPSE).
The call is part of IPSE's manifesto for the General Election on 4 July.
Under its proposals, a Cabinet minister would be charged with directly overseeing
the tax office. Taxpayers would also be offered more recourse when the
department has acted carelessly or unfairly.
The manifesto also calls for the prevention of 'obscenely' long payment
terms and the scrapping of the off-payroll rules.
IPSE also wants to see an end to shortfalls in support for self-employed parents
and better incentives for people to adopt side hustles.
Derek Cribb, IPSE's CEO, said:
'The self-employed vote is very much up for grabs at this election – more
than at any election in living memory.
'The sector is bursting with potential to get more people working, plug
skills gaps and grow the economy. But this potential is being squandered by
the devastating impact of late payments, careless tax enforcement, and a
lack of proactive policymaking catered to the millions of people who work
for themselves.
'At this election, the party that fully embraces the self-employed stands to
gain their support. The proposals in our manifesto offers the parties the
chance to do just that.'
Internet link: IPSE website