For immediate release
Responding to the abolition of the Valuation Office Agency, Darwin Friend, head of research of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said:
“Abolition of the Valuation Office Agency does give the appearance of a government that is at least in principle serious about tackling the quangocracy.
“However, what is likely to happen is that the functions of this body and its quangocrats will simply be absorbed into HMRC - another quango. Given that HMRC can barely deliver its own responsibilities, taxpayers will be deeply sceptical that they will see an improvement in services.
“Unless Labour addresses the terrible taxation system that necessitates this absurd system of council tax and business rate valuations, they’ll be trying to light the bonfire with a wet match.
TPA spokespeople are available for live and pre-recorded broadcast interviews via 07795 084 113 (no texts)
Media contact:
William Yarwood
Media Campaign Manager, TaxPayers' Alliance
[email protected]
24-hour media hotline: 07795 084 113 (no texts)
Notes to editors:
-
Founded in 2004 by Matthew Elliott and Andrew Allum, the TaxPayers' Alliance (TPA) campaigns to reform taxes and public services, cut waste and speak up for British taxpayers. Find out more at www.taxpayersalliance.com.
-
TaxPayers' Alliance's research council.
-
The TaxPayers’ Alliance is currently running a project entitled ‘Britain’s Quangos Uncovered’ which seeks to unveil the cost, size and scope of Britain’s quangocracy.
- Our latest paper, Quango Rich List, revealed that the Valuation Office Agency had six quango staff on a total remuneration of over £100,000.