I have written on ConservativeHome about what appears to be a provision for exempting MPs from tax avoidance law:
I am furious. Who could possibly think that special tax treatment for MPs is a good idea? Who could possibly think that MPs would get away with it if they tried it?
But wait. Who drafts Government bills? Not back-bench Members of Parliament… In whose interests is it to keep Members of Parliament up to their armpits in the brown stuff? I smell a rat.
There should be no special treatment for anyone before the law, least of all those who make it.
via ConservativeHome’s Platform: Steve Baker MP: Who drafts Government bills?.
Follow the progress of the Bill here.
Update: It has been suggested to me that this provision stems from the fact that we are paid by IPSA but not employed by IPSA. Let the Treasury explain.
Further update: Greg Hands MP, PPS to the Chancellor, has posted a response here.
