IR eases up on hauliers
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• Hauliers can expect more sympathy from the Inland Revenue if tax arrears are pushing them towards insolvency.
The Treasury and the Department of Trade and Industry are launching a joint initiative to help safeguard the future of viable businesses which run into financial problems. Measures include creating a special unit which will ensure that each rescue proposal receives individual attention.
Government agencies start one in five of all insolvency proceedings, and the Inland Revenue and Customs & Excise are often accused of ignoring the long-term viability of businesses to ensure debts are recovered.
Paymaster General Dawn Primarolo says; "These changes will help ensure more efficient. commercial and consistent handling of the problems businesses in trouble often have in meeting their debts in tax and National Insurance contributions."
Roger King, chief executive of the Road Haulage Association, says any respite from the financial pressures facing hauliers is welcome, but adds: 'What we really want to see is a reduction in fuel duty: that's the root of the problem."