Philip Green

[Fuengirola Saint]

I have just heard on LBC that Philip Green avoided 300 million pounds worth of tax last year ( 12 GBP for every man woman and child in Britain ) by routing his income through his wife in Monaco.

I was wondering can any of our resident Tories defend the governments decision to make him efficiency tsar?

[Thedelldays]

everyones at it...just like I have no opinion on blair making millions from his time in public office and having to foot the bill for the security of his book signings

[Elmore]

everyones at it...just like I have no opinion on blair making millions from his time in public office and having to foot the bill for the security of his book signings

 

Brilliant reply - everyone is apparently at it so don't bother having an opinion on it or doing anything about it.

[Thedelldays]

Brilliant reply - everyone is apparently at it so don't bother having an opinion on it or doing anything about it.

 

ok..im out raged...

 

what shall we do about it then....if we do something, dont draw party lines..they are all at it

[revolution saint]

ok..im out raged...

 

what shall we do about it then....if we do something, dont draw party lines..they are all at it

 

If this was a Labour MP or a union leader they would be labelled a socialist traitor (although I'm not saying you would do that but plenty would). In this particular case I don't be believe it would be morally right to appoint someone to this position when they have avoided paying that much tax albeit legally.

[exit2]

I have just heard on LBC that Philip Green avoided 300 million pounds worth of tax last year ( 12 GBP for every man woman and child in Britain ) by routing his income through his wife in Monaco.

I was wondering can any of our resident Tories defend the governments decision to make him efficiency tsar?

 

Like Delldays says, loads of people do it and there is not a lot you can do about it. Many major british companies hold their head offices in off shore locations so they dont have to pay corporation tax and there are so many loop holes you cannot stop. But I do agree about certain people but they will just have to lower the "days in the uk rule"

[JonnyLove]

Technically this is a reason for making him the efficiency tsar has he has managed to save himself £300m in costs.

[Spudders]

Technically this is a reason for making him the efficiency tsar has he has managed to save himself £300m in costs.

 

that was the first thing that crossed my mind!

[dune]

Socialists would never look to feather their own nests.

[Thedelldays]

If this was a Labour MP or a union leader they would be labelled a socialist traitor (although I'm not saying you would do that but plenty would). In this particular case I don't be believe it would be morally right to appoint someone to this position when they have avoided paying that much tax albeit legally.

why are you bent on drawing party lines on this issue..I have said that they all do it..

 

blair, prescott, most of the tories.....

it is all wrong...

[revolution saint]

why are you bent on drawing party lines on this issue..I have said that they all do it..

 

blair, prescott, most of the tories.....

it is all wrong...

 

You only need Dune's reply to answer that. I wasn't drawing party lines merely showing that others would. My original post pointed that out but happy to explain it again for the hard of thinking.

[bridge too far]

Do we know for sure that Blair and Prescott actually avoid paying tax?

 

Never mind, we can recoup ALL these taxes by coming down hard on people who fraudulently claim benefits. And we can continue to make it so difficult for genuine claimants to get what is rightfully theirs too, like pension credits etc.

 

That's only fair.

[Jonnyboy]

ok..im out raged...

 

what shall we do about it then....if we do something, dont draw party lines..they are all at it

 

make up for the lost revenue by axing submariners i say

[Elmore]

Do we know for sure that Blair and Prescott actually avoid paying tax?

 

Never mind, we can recoup ALL these taxes by coming down hard on people who fraudulently claim benefits. And we can continue to make it so difficult for genuine claimants to get what is rightfully theirs too, like pension credits etc.

 

That's only fair.

 

Yeah - that makes so much sense. Then the lazy gits will be forced to work (or if they are at their wits end, they may turn to petty crime - and we will have 60,000 less police officers after the Condem cuts to catch them).

[bridge too far]

And don't forget that 'we' can scrap lots of public services and then encourage the Condems' private enterprise bumboys to take up the slack at a much higher cost.

 

Yep - it's all making sense.

[Fuengirola Saint]

Well so far none of the Tories have tried to defend his behavior, so from this i assume the government were wrong to appoint this tax dodger as tsar. As for footing the bill for Blair security,it's the same for all former prime ministers.

[dune]

And don't forget that 'we' can scrap lots of public services and then encourage the Condems' private enterprise bumboys to take up the slack at a much higher cost.

 

Yep - it's all making sense.

 

I wouldn't have expected homophobia from such an ardent left winger. You surprise and sadden me BTF.

[The Majestic Channon]

I wouldn't have expected homophobia from such an ardent left winger. You surprise and sadden me BTF.

 

Says june the nazi

[dune]

Says june the nazi

 

Don't start.

[Thedelldays]

Well so far none of the Tories have tried to defend his behavior, so from this i assume the government were wrong to appoint this tax dodger as tsar. As for footing the bill for Blair security,it's the same for all former prime ministers.

for booking signings that line his own pockets..?

[Thedelldays]

make up for the lost revenue by axing submariners i say

 

good point..

[badgerx16]

It was metioned on the news this morning that the Daily Hail ( surprisingly ) were digging at him because of his tax arrangements, and also pointing out that the way he makes most of his money is on using corporate credit to buy companies and then re-organise / asset strip them to generate maximum payback. He is excellent at generating profit for hedge fund investors, but his companies are not necessarily seen as operationally efficient. Should fit well in the public sector, especially as the Audit Commission is being replaced by private auditing companies, ( and they are BOUND to be cheaper for the public purse, aren't they ! ).

[Wade Garrett]

for booking signings that line his own pockets..?

 

OK, so he's the only former Prime Minister who has written about his time in office, or do I remember similar books by John Major, Margaret Thatcher....

 

As for Phillip Green, he obviously must be a bit short of cash which is why he evades paying tax to the country that he earns it all in. The injustice of this is appalling. I work hard for my pay, and have no choice but to have my tax deducted at source. I've also lost some tax credits because my wife is earning now. That's fair enough, the way I look at it is we've all got to pay our bit so the Country can prosper again. Then you read about billionaires, who already have more money that they can ever spend, avoiding tax on income earned in this country, and being patted on the back by the Government in the process. Stinking hypocrisy.

 

BTF mentioned the Tories pursuit of benefit claimants in order to try and balance the books. To be honest, if they are claiming illegally, or choosing not to work, then fair play to the government. If they catch enough of them, then it might make up for the tax that Mr Green should have paid.

 

Lester Pigott was stripped of his honour when he got caught not paying tax. To be honest, I think maybe Green should lose his knghthood over this. It is outrageous.

[bridge too far]

OK, so he's the only former Prime Minister who has written about his time in office, or do I remember similar books by John Major, Margaret Thatcher....

 

As for Phillip Green, he obviously must be a bit short of cash which is why he evades paying tax to the country that he earns it all in. The injustice of this is appalling. I work hard for my pay, and have no choice but to have my tax deducted at source. I've also lost some tax credits because my wife is earning now. That's fair enough, the way I look at it is we've all got to pay our bit so the Country can prosper again. Then you read about billionaires, who already have more money that they can ever spend, avoiding tax on income earned in this country, and being patted on the back by the Government in the process. Stinking hypocrisy.

 

BTF mentioned the Tories pursuit of benefit claimants in order to try and balance the books. To be honest, if they are claiming illegally, or choosing not to work, then fair play to the government. If they catch enough of them, then it might make up for the tax that Mr Green should have paid.

 

Lester Pigott was stripped of his honour when he got caught not paying tax. To be honest, I think maybe Green should lose his knghthood over this. It is outrageous.

 

My tongue was firmly planted in my cheek at this juncture. Of course benefit cheats should be caught and made to pay back their ill-gotten gains. But the amounts involved pale into insignificance compared to the amount lost through tax avoidance, whether it's the Philip Greens of this world, a football club, or the guy who does a bit of work for you 'for cash'.

 

And to then pay the likes of Experian for catching out 'cheats' is very worrying. Let's face it - credit rating companies make some horrendous mistakes sometimes and any appeal process can be very long-winded. That's tough enough when someone is refused credit because of an error. To be refused benefit because of an error would be just dreadful.

[dune]

It's a novel idea of mine, but I think it'd be a good idea if benefits were reduced according to a claimants body fat index. If they're too fat the are clearly spending too much money on food. In fact i'd take my reforms further with a reintroduction of workhouses for some of the claimants and a ration book system for the rest. It's amazing how so many of the "career slobs" smoke ready rolled ciggarettes - this would stop under my ration scheme where just the essentials such as potatoes and porridge oats are provided. Those on benefits should not receive any cash.

[CB Saint]

I wonder how many people on here, at the daily mail etc would do the same if they were in his position.

 

If your accountant says to you if you pay your wife this money, you can legally avoid paying £300m in tax - I suspect most people would take the advice.

[dune]

I avoid unneceassary tax an NI by paying my pension contributions through pensmart and I pay an AVC to reduce the amount the taxman receives still further. I will then take 25% of my lifetime allowance as a tax free lump sum and seek financial advice on how best to invest this. It's common sense to get the best deal.

[Wilko]

David Cameron said: "I'm really angry about it too, you know, just like all the rest of it, and George is working on something to sort it all out. We're going to grip it really hard...."

[Sour Mash]

I have just heard on LBC that Philip Green avoided 300 million pounds worth of tax last year ( 12 GBP for every man woman and child in Britain ) by routing his income through his wife in Monaco.

I was wondering can any of our resident Tories defend the governments decision to make him efficiency tsar?

 

Yep, fair play to him. MASSIVE wealth and job creator for this country, self made, hard working, forward thinking, exactly the kind of person we should be encouraging in this country.

[bridge too far]

Yep, fair play to him. MASSIVE wealth and job creator for this country, self made, hard working, forward thinking, exactly the kind of person we should be encouraging in this country.

 

Good lord

 

[solentstars]

OK, so he's the only former Prime Minister who has written about his time in office, or do I remember similar books by John Major, Margaret Thatcher....

 

As for Phillip Green, he obviously must be a bit short of cash which is why he evades paying tax to the country that he earns it all in. The injustice of this is appalling. I work hard for my pay, and have no choice but to have my tax deducted at source. I've also lost some tax credits because my wife is earning now. That's fair enough, the way I look at it is we've all got to pay our bit so the Country can prosper again. Then you read about billionaires, who already have more money that they can ever spend, avoiding tax on income earned in this country, and being patted on the back by the Government in the process. Stinking hypocrisy.

 

BTF mentioned the Tories pursuit of benefit claimants in order to try and balance the books. To be honest, if they are claiming illegally, or choosing not to work, then fair play to the government. If they catch enough of them, then it might make up for the tax that Mr Green should have paid.

 

Lester Pigott was stripped of his honour when he got caught not paying tax. To be honest, I think maybe Green should lose his knghthood over this. It is outrageous.

 

good post i,m sick of the major tax avoiders who seem to run this country after earning their wealth in this country and put them on the same level as has those who abuse the welfare system.

parasites the lot of them

[Fuengirola Saint]

Yep, fair play to him. MASSIVE wealth and job creator for this country, self made, hard working, forward thinking, exactly the kind of person we should be encouraging in this country.

 

I give up! With people like this about what hope have we got.

[Sour Mash]

good post i,m sick of the major tax avoiders who seem to run this country after earning their wealth in this country and put them on the same level as has those who abuse the welfare system.

parasites the lot of them

 

Just highlighted a bit for you.

[solentstars]

Yep, fair play to him. MASSIVE wealth and job creator for this country, self made, hard working, forward thinking, exactly the kind of person we should be encouraging in this country.

oh dear:lol:some people amaze me how they defend major tax avoiders

[Sour Mash]

Glad to see you all know I'm right

[Fuengirola Saint]

oh dear:lol:some people amaze me how they defend major tax avoiders

 

I can understand anyone wanting to be rich, it gives you an easy life and lots of opportunities, fair enough, but when they are so rich that they can't hope to spend all that money why can't they just pay their taxes like the rest of us? How anyone can defend this i just don't get it

[Thedelldays]

I can understand anyone wanting to be rich, it gives you an easy life and lots of opportunities, fair enough, but when they are so rich that they can't hope to spend all that money why can't they just pay their taxes like the rest of us? How anyone can defend this i just don't get it

 

do you pay UK taxes at all..?

[dune]

If you look back through history at our past hero's - cecil rhodes, clive of India, Sir Francis Drake etc ect - they were all enterprising individuals who contributed hugely to our nations prosperity. Phillip green is in the same mould yet he gets lambasted for doing well.

[Fuengirola Saint]

do you pay UK taxes at all..?

 

When i live in the United Kingdom i pay UK taxes but as i am at this moment domiciled in Spain i therefore pay Impuestos a la hacienda ( Spanish taxes to you ) though quite what the **** this has to do with the discussion i don't know

[Sour Mash]

I can understand anyone wanting to be rich, it gives you an easy life and lots of opportunities, fair enough, but when they are so rich that they can't hope to spend all that money why can't they just pay their taxes like the rest of us? How anyone can defend this i just don't get it

 

He probably does more for the financial good of this country than the whole of this board put together and all ready pays far more tax than any of us, without taking anything from the system. If I was him I wouldn't want to hand over £300m of my hard earnt money when I already pay into the system far, far more than anyone else.

[Thedelldays]

When i live in the United Kingdom i pay UK taxes but as i am at this moment domiciled in Spain i therefore pay Impuestos a la hacienda ( Spanish taxes to you ) though quite what the **** this has to do with the discussion i don't know

 

why dont you come back and live here..and pay these taxes..?

[solentstars]

I can understand anyone wanting to be rich, it gives you an easy life and lots of opportunities, fair enough, but when they are so rich that they can't hope to spend all that money why can't they just pay their taxes like the rest of us? How anyone can defend this i just don't get it

 

i agree but some super rich fat cats are so greedy and lack any sense of morals .its not like they will starve.

[Fuengirola Saint]

why dont you come back and live here..and pay these taxes..?

 

Because i want to live here ,i still pay my fair share of tax but to the government here where i live and work.I don't understand what you are getting at, i pay tax here and receive services here just like you do over there, what i am saying is that if you and i have to pay a certain rate of income tax why shouldn't that fat greedy t w a t

[revolution saint]

Because i want to live here ,i still pay my fair share of tax but to the government here where i live and work.I don't understand what you are getting at, i pay tax here and receive services here just like you do over there, what i am saying is that if you and i have to pay a certain rate of income tax why shouldn't that fat greedy t w a t

 

Tricky this one. I want to give you the right to an opinion then but then I'd have to do the same for St. George.

[Fuengirola Saint]

Tricky this one. I want to give you the right to an opinion then but then I'd have to do the same for St. George.[/quote

 

You can give me the right to an opinion because i am not a Nazi Spunk bubble like St George

[revolution saint]

Tricky this one. I want to give you the right to an opinion then but then I'd have to do the same for St. George.[/quote

 

You can give me the right to an opinion because i am not a Nazi Spunk bubble like St George

 

OK, that's a fair justification.

[Thedelldays]

Because i want to live here ,i still pay my fair share of tax but to the government here where i live and work.I don't understand what you are getting at, i pay tax here and receive services here just like you do over there, what i am saying is that if you and i have to pay a certain rate of income tax why shouldn't that fat greedy t w a t

 

so what does someone paying UK tax or not mean to you..?

you are happy in the sun..right...left these shores for somewhere else..

[Pugwash]

So my accountant says I'm not allowed to pay my missus a couple of grand a year for doing the books, but Green can pay his wife 100's of millions for doing what, precisely? Keeping house in Monaco?

[Fuengirola Saint]

so what does someone paying UK tax or not mean to you..?

you are happy in the sun..right...left these shores for somewhere else..

 

You are obviously hard of thinking,I will explain, it's a question of fairness, he could have been a Spaniard or German trying to evade tax it's all the same. Philip Green was just the example that came to light this week. The original question was Is he fit to be the governments efficiency tsar whilst evading 300 million pounds of tax?

[revolution saint]

You are obviously hard of thinking,I will explain, it's a question of fairness, he could have been a Spaniard or German trying to evade tax it's all the same. Philip Green was just the example that came to light this week. The original question was Is he fit to be the governments efficiency tsar whilst evading 300 million pounds of tax?

 

Is the answer No?