Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed she will not be publishing her tax returns as a key deadline rapidly approaches for millions of Britons.
Those who do not make tax contributions through regular wage deductions have until 31 January 2025 to fill out their self-assessment, and millions of Britons could be at risk of breaking HMRC rules.
Reeves today delivered a speech where she vowed to ‘fight’ amid increased pressure over economy struggles.
The Chancellor was asked by GB News Political Editor Christopher Hope whether we can expect her to make her tax returns public, but she slapped down the idea.
Rachel Reeves was grilled by Christopher Hope
GB NEWS
“Millions are sending in their tax returns this week to HMRC, you’re in charge of it, will you publish your tax return?”, he asked.
She responded: “Thank you for the reminder to everyone to get their tax returns in.
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Rachel Reeves delivered her plans for growth
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“We will use that money wisely to invest in infrastructure and grow our economy.
“Chancellors and Prime Ministers haven’t published their tax returns in the past and I haven’t got any plans to do so.”
Reeves made the comments despite Sir Keir Starmer previously suggesting his administration would be more transparent with their tax returns.
He told the Sunday Times in 2023 that he “sees no reason why the Prime Minister shouldn’t publish their tax return as a matter of course”.
The deadline to submit a self-assessment tax return is rapidly approaching
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He added: “If we are serious about restoring trust, I think anyone appointed as chancellor or deputy prime minister should do the same.”
The tax return is a way for HMRC to ensure those who do not make tax contributions though payslip deductions are still paying.
Most self-employed earners will need to fill one out.
Reeves said she would not be publishing her tax return shortly after delivering a speech where she outlined her plans for growth.
The Chancellor said the country has “fundamental strengths” but has been “held back” and accepted “stagnation” for too long.
Reeves announced support for major airport expansions at Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton.
The plans also include backing for the “Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor”, which she said has “the potential to be Europe’s Silicon Valley”.
The plans include a new railway station in Tempsford and funding for East-West rail to connect Oxford and Cambridge.
Sir Patrick Vallance, former chief scientific adviser, has been appointed as champion of the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor.
Ms Reeves highlighted that Oxford and Cambridge are “home to two of the best universities in the world” and major innovation clusters.
Plans include approval for 4,500 new homes near Cambridge and nine new reservoirs following ministerial agreements on water company investment.