Media & Press ReleasesFor the Press
Community Links appointed to government advisory group
06 Jan 2010
East London charity Community Links was announced yesterday as the only civil society representative on the HMRC Hidden Economy Advisory Group, which was introduced in last year’s Pre-Budget Report. The charity’s unique ten years experience researching and campaigning on the issue provides crucial insights into how to reduce the number of people working informally.
Aaron Barbour, National Policy Manager at Community Links, said:
“People accessing our services often work cash-in-hand because they have little choice – they do so out of need, not greed. And while it can help put food on the table, it stops them moving on into better paid and more secure jobs. Supporting people to move out of the hidden economy will help people work their way out of poverty, as well as increasing tax revenue.
“I look forward to working closely with the group over the next few months in ensuring the voices of those who know best – people experiencing the issue – are heard, and the recommendations reflect the lives of those working cash-in-hand.”
Mike Eland, chair of the group and Director General of Enforcement and Compliance in HMRC said:
“We estimate that the hidden economy contributes to around 7.5% of the net tax gap, which means we could be losing in the region of £3bn a year from people who are living and working in the hidden economy. They also gain an unfair competitive advantage over businesses that pay their taxes. This new group of experts with a variety of experience will identify new practical steps to tackle this problem.”
For more information contact Will Horwitz, Community Links Communications Coordinator, on 07966 344506, or will.horwitz@community-links.org
Notes for editors:
• Community Links is an east London charity with over 30 years experience working with local people to support children, young people, adults and families.
• Community Links coordinates the Need not Greed campaign (www.neednotgreed.org.uk), which aims to remove the need for cash-in-hand work by creating a modern, flexible welfare system, creating stepping stones into work.
• The Hidden Economy Advisory Group is formed from independent experts and chaired by HMRC to take a fresh look at what can be done to reduce the hidden economy. More information is available at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/consultations/hidden-economy-advisory-group.htm