The PCG says that this is the last opportunity for George Osborne to defend his policy, his directions and explain his vision. The specific issues the group wants to see addressed are:
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Clarity The PCG says: An end to years of uncertainty for freelancers. Freelancers are distinct from employees yet this distinction is very often obscured or lost. Petty tax disputes are time consuming and costly, preventing freelancers from concentrating their resources and talent to help revitalise our economy. We want radical new thinking on how freelancers are taxed.
Honesty: We want the Chancellor to insist HMRC publish new IR35 guidance making it abundantly clear who will and who will not be affected by the changes. Help freelancers, help the public sector and help the taxpayer by not wasting time and effort on petty disputes.
Vision: The Treasury’s review into 'off-payroll' appointees has been an omnishambles for public sector workers and freelancers alike. The Government must redraft the guidance to ensure that freelancers clearly understand what is required of them when working for public sector clients and for all government departments to act in a consistent, coherent and candid fashion to ensure the taxpayer is best served with the best talents available.
On trial
The PCG Chairman, Chris Bryce said: “The Chancellor should be in no doubt he is on trial. Freelancers see his inaction as an economic dereliction of duty. We want to see the Chancellor answer these charges we want him to show vision, kick-start the economy and recognise the amazing talented army of freelancers he has at his disposal to help him and the nation win the economic battle.
"Despite the dramatic rise in the number of freelancers and the demonstrable benefits that they bring, there is still a failure to adequately recognize both the needs of freelancers and the benefit they provide.
"Clear tax rules and simple, straightforward tax guidance would demonstrate the Government recognises the vital role freelancers play in the economy. Freelancers will help drive the economy, we need the Chancellor to set us free to do that."
Full coverage and expert analysis on the Budget issues affecting contractors will be available in the Political News section of Shout99. The Budget will take place on Wednesday March 20.
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Susie Hughes © Shout99 2013
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