Asked by: Lord Smith of Finsbury (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to allow the temporary reduced rate of VAT of five per cent for certain attractions to apply where a concert is being streamed as live, but for technical reasons was required to be pre-recorded.
Answered by Lord Agnew of Oulton
Where online access is provided for live-streamed entertainment events when no audience can be present due to lockdown restrictions, the temporary reduced rate of VAT may apply as long as the performance is broadcast live. A pre-recorded concert that can be automatically delivered with minimal or no human intervention is likely to be an electronically supplied service; the liability of which will depend upon the place of supply rules.
Further information on the temporary reduced rate for admissions and electronically supplied services can be found on GOV.UK at the Revenue and Customs Brief on VAT on admission charges to attractions.
Asked by: Lord Smith of Finsbury (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to introducing an advertising tax credit as part of their COVID-19 economic recovery package in order (1) to help stimulate consumer spending, and (2) to assist the retention of employment in the advertising industry.
Answered by Lord Agnew of Oulton
The Government has no plans to introduce a new tax credit for business expenditure on advertising. The Chancellor keeps all aspects of the tax system under review, and announces any changes at a fiscal event.
Asked by: Lord Smith of Finsbury (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to allow theatres and other cultural venues to automatically be able to claim Gift Aid when patrons agree to donate to the venue the value of their tickets for an event cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered by Lord Agnew of Oulton
Theatres and other cultural venues recognised as charities by HMRC can claim Gift Aid on freely given donations, as opposed to payments for goods or services; such as admission tickets. These charities can claim Gift Aid on the value of tickets for cancelled events if the patrons have agreed not to be refunded for the cost of the ticket and agree for the same amount to be treated as a donation. Additionally, the charity will also need to make sure the patrons have made a Gift Aid declaration for their donations to qualify for Gift Aid, confirming that they have, or will have, paid enough tax to cover the amount the charity will claim on their donations.
Asked by: Lord Smith of Finsbury (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, and on what timetable, for changes to IR35 assessments for employees and contractors.
Answered by Lord O'Neill of Gatley
Whilst the IR35 legislation protects in excess of £500 million each year, non-compliance is currently costing in excess of £400 million and is a growing problem.
At the Summer Budget, the Chancellor announced that HM Revenue and Customs would open a dialogue with stakeholders about improving the effectiveness of IR35.
A discussion document was published on 17 July 2015. The discussion period concluded on 30 September, following the receipt of over 160 responses and 14 roundtable meetings. The Government is now considering the responses.