Lack of adequate data and scrutiny for tax reliefs hinders policymaking and accountability.
Tax reliefs account for considerable reduction in tax revenue. They require adequate data to be collected and published to inform proper policymaking or accountability. However, the evidence shows that this is not happening. The disparity between scrutiny of tax reliefs and that of equivalent direct public expenditure is stark.
Government response. The government agrees on the importance of collecting and publishing data on tax reliefs, stating that HMRC already provides extensive costings and evaluations. It commits to expanding these where possible, while also explaining limitations regarding structural reliefs and taxpayer burdens.
HM Treasury