GovWire

The Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) is the independent adviser to government on simplifying the UK tax system, to make it easier for taxpayers. Today it has published its sixth Annual Report, covering the year to 31 March 2022.

During the period, in November 2021, HM Treasury published the first five-yearly review of the OTS, concluding that the need for the OTS remains undiminished.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Lucy Frazer QC MP, said the Treasurys five-year review gave:

a clear endorsement of the importance of the role of the OTS and the work it does to advise the Chancellor on making the tax system simpler and easier for taxpayers to interact with.

Kathryn Cearns OBE,Chair of the OTS Board, said:

The OTS could not do its work without the help and support of people both inside and outside government who share our desire to make the tax system better. We are grateful to the Financial Secretary to the Treasury for her active engagement and support, and to all those in industry who freely and openly provide their views, advice, and time; and we are indebted to all OTS staff, past and present.

The work of theOTS

TheOTSis the first sustained endeavour in the world to bring a systematic and thoroughly researched approach to advising government on tax simplification.

It is in a unique position to highlight issues, stimulate debate and act as a catalyst for change, given its strong connections within government, its wide access to deep expertise outside of government and its independent voice.

2021-22 has been another productive year, with publication of Chancellor commissioned reports on the practical, technical, and administrative aspects of CGT, and work on what Simplification means to the OTS; alongside important own-initiative reports on better use of third-party data and the tax year end, and evaluations of progress on our past recommendations. There are links to these papers in the Annual Report.

Bill Dodwell, Tax Director, said:

One of the most important aspects of the way in which we conduct our work is the support and input we receive from taxpayers, professional and representative bodies, business organisations and others working in tax.

We would also like to thank officials in HM Treasury and HMRC for their support and challenge in shaping recommendations that whilst often stretching, are also sensible in the wider policy context.

Notes for editors

• TheOTSis the independent adviser to government on simplifying the UK tax system, to make it easier for taxpayers; it does not implement changes, these are a matter for officials and ministers.

• TheOTSworks to improve the experience of all who interact with the tax system. It aims to reduce the administrative burden - which is what people encounter in practice - as well as looking to simplify rules, as simplification of the technical and administrative aspects of tax are each important, both to taxpayers and to HMRC. TheOTSwas initially formed in 2010 and put on a statutory footing in 2016.

• TheOTSis led by Board Chair Kathryn Cearns OBE and Tax Director Bill Dodwell and has a small staff team with backgrounds in the private sector, HM Treasury, and HMRC.

Press enquiries only please contact Julie Gillespie,OTSPress Officer Phone: 03000 585028.