An Early Day Motion* has been tabled in support of the Law Societyís Stamp Duty Strife Campaign, which has the backing of over 4000 solicitors. 28 cross-party MPs** have already signed up to it.
The Motion, tabled by Mark Francois, Shadow Minister for the Treasury, calls on the Government to rectify the shortcomings in the administration of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) to ensure that the administration of the new tax is simple, certain and fair.
A Croydon-based solicitor, David White, wrote to his local MP, Malcolm Wicks, describing the problems with the current system:
ìHer Majestyís Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have replaced what used to be a one page form for dealing with stamp duty with a six page form for Stamp Duty Land Tax. The form is full of code and is hard for buyers to understand. The result of this is an increase in cost and difficulties for people buying houses and flats, at a time when this is least welcomeî.
Mr Wicks passed his concerns onto Ivan Lewis MP, the Minister responsible for this policy area. Mr Lewis wrote back to say:
ìHMRC acknowledges that there have been, and still remain, some practical difficulties with the administration of SDLT. The Law Societyís current campaign highlights legitimate concerns that we take very seriously, and I can assure you that HMRC is doing all it can to tackle them as quickly as possible.î
The President of the Law Society, Kevin Martin, said: ìSolicitors and MPs throughout England and Wales have given their support to the campaign, revealing that the issue has united the profession. This fiasco is common to all solicitors who practice property law from small high street practitioners to city firms. It has continued for far too long and we will continue to lobby the Government until the current problems are resolved. î
MPs sign up to Stamp Duty Strife Campaign
An Early Day Motion* has been tabled in support of the Law Societyís Stamp Duty Strife Campaign, which has the backing of over 4000 solicitors. 28 cross-party MPs** have already signed up to it.
