Online conference to mark OTS tenth anniversary

The Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) will be holding a webinar from 2pm to 3:30pm on Monday 7 September 2020 to mark its tenth anniversary.

Speakers and contributors are expected to include Rt Hon Jesse Norman MP (the Financial Secretary to the Treasury), Kathryn Cearns (OTS Chair), Bill Dodwell (OTS Tax Director), Jill Rutter (Senior Research Fellow, Institute for Government), Ruth Stanier from HMRC, Lindsey Whyte from HMT and Emma Agyemang from the Financial Times.

The event will provide an opportunity:

• to review the OTS’s contribution to the development of the UK tax system over the last 10 years

• to debate and consider the future work and role of the OTS – not least in the light of the government’s announcement of a Tax Administration roadmap on 21 July 2020

• to touch on the Office’s current reviews into Capital Gains Tax and Claims and Elections

• for attendees to submit written questions during the event

Notes for editors

The OTS is 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 government and for Parliament.

The OTS works 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.

The OTS was initially formed in 2010 and put on a statutory footing in 2016

The OTS is led by Chairman Kathryn Cearns OBE and Tax Director Bill Dodwell and has a small staff team drawn from HM Treasury, HMRC and the private sector.

The OTS published its annual report for the year to 31 March 2020 on 21 July 2020.

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