To match an exact phrase, use quotation marks around the search term. eg. "Parliamentary Estate". Use "OR" or "AND" as link words to form more complex queries.

Keep yourself up-to-date with the latest developments by exploring our subscription options to receive notifications direct to your inbox

Written Question
Construction: Self-employed
Friday 16th December 2016

Asked by: Michelle Thomson (Independent - Edinburgh West)

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps are being taken to prevent cases of false self-employment in the construction industry.

Answered by Jane Ellison

The Government introduced legislation in Finance Act 2014 to tackle false self-employment arising through intermediaries. Where there is control over the worker, as a result of the legislation, an intermediary has to operate PAYE and pay National Insurance Contributions. It was estimated that this would lead to 200,000 workers being correctly treated as employed.

Since April 2015, intermediaries also have to submit a quarterly electronic return if they have made payments to a worker without deductions under PAYE. The first returns were made to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in July and November 2015, and HMRC is using the information to tackle false self-employment through intermediaries.

Speech in Commons Chamber - Thu 15 Dec 2016
Commercial Financial Dispute Resolution Platform

"I made a speech in this place on 1 February 2016 on the FCA compensation scheme for interest rate hedging products. I argued then that that scheme was ill thought out and provided no effective redress for businesses that had been made insolvent. To be honest, I was almost tempted …..."
Michelle Thomson - View Speech

View all Michelle Thomson (Ind - Edinburgh West) contributions to the debate on: Commercial Financial Dispute Resolution Platform
Speech in Commons Chamber - Thu 15 Dec 2016
Commercial Financial Dispute Resolution Platform

"I thank the hon. Gentleman for that compliment.

Finally, I want to address the topic of culture. We need to recall that it is the underlying culture of institutions that has enabled this to happen. We know that we have come from a driven, bottom-line culture, but we must make …..."
Michelle Thomson - View Speech

View all Michelle Thomson (Ind - Edinburgh West) contributions to the debate on: Commercial Financial Dispute Resolution Platform
Written Question
Double Taxation: Developing Countries
Tuesday 25th October 2016

Asked by: Michelle Thomson (Independent - Edinburgh West)

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what his Department's objectives are in negotiating double taxation treaties with developing countries.

Answered by Jane Ellison

In negotiating double taxation treaties, the UK’s objective is to reach an agreement that allocates taxing rights on a basis acceptable to both countries.

Speech in Westminster Hall - Wed 09 Mar 2016
Scotch Whisky Industry

"It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Mrs Moon. Hon. Members might wonder what on earth my link with whisky is, as the Member for Edinburgh West. Well, here you go. BenRiach Distillery Company, which is in fact based in Speyside, was built by John Duff in 1898. …..."
Michelle Thomson - View Speech

View all Michelle Thomson (Ind - Edinburgh West) contributions to the debate on: Scotch Whisky Industry
Speech in Commons Chamber - Mon 01 Feb 2016
Financial Conduct Authority

"Thank you, Mr Hoyle. I add my thanks to the hon. Member for Aberconwy (Guto Bebb) for the work that he has done through the all-party parliamentary group and more widely. People whom I knew in a previous life before I came to this place are very appreciative of that …..."
Michelle Thomson - View Speech

View all Michelle Thomson (Ind - Edinburgh West) contributions to the debate on: Financial Conduct Authority
Speech in Commons Chamber - Tue 20 Oct 2015
Tax Credits

"Do not people in lower income groups tend, in general terms, to spend money in their local communities, and will the cuts not therefore remove potential investment and growth from those communities?..."
Michelle Thomson - View Speech

View all Michelle Thomson (Ind - Edinburgh West) contributions to the debate on: Tax Credits
Speech in Public Bill Committees - Thu 17 Sep 2015
Finance Bill (Second sitting)

"Much of what I say will be in support of the comments made by the hon. Member for Worsley and Eccles South. The Scottish National party also considers the allowance a vital investment tool, particularly for small businesses. The fact that it can be claimed during a year of investment …..."
Michelle Thomson - View Speech

View all Michelle Thomson (Ind - Edinburgh West) contributions to the debate on: Finance Bill (Second sitting)
Speech in Public Bill Committees - Thu 17 Sep 2015
Finance Bill (Second sitting)

"In that case, I would be interested to understand why it is not set at £500,000. Surely, if it was, businesses would be doubly delighted. What is the economic thinking behind not making it permanent at that level?..."
Michelle Thomson - View Speech

View all Michelle Thomson (Ind - Edinburgh West) contributions to the debate on: Finance Bill (Second sitting)
Speech in Commons Chamber - Tue 08 Sep 2015
Finance Bill

"I will do something that feels slightly unusual and address my brief remarks to clause 43.

We know that there is a planned increase from 6% to 9.5%—an increase of 58%—but let us not forget that that also applies to administration costs. Throughout the debate, the figures have been evaluated …..."
Michelle Thomson - View Speech

View all Michelle Thomson (Ind - Edinburgh West) contributions to the debate on: Finance Bill