UK’s Complex Tax System Branded an ‘Obstacle’ to Economic Growth

Britain’s tax system is so complicated it has become an “obstacle to economic dynamism” and needs to be simplified, an influential committee in Parliament concluded.

A review by the Treasury Committee found that there are more than 1,180 separate tax reliefs that can cause such perverse outcomes some people may end up poorer by taking a job or getting a pay rise.

“It’s widely acknowledged – including by the Chancellor – that our tax system is over complicated, confusing and inefficient,” said Harriett Baldwin, chair of the committee. “It contains numerous cliff edges which at worst leave someone worse ...