Campaigns

Tax and British Business: Making the Case

To listen to the way the story is sometimes told, British business contributes next to nothing to government tax revenue. That is simply not true

Read the CBI's press release on tax and business
Watch more videos from the report launch
Read the full report (pdf)

Business has been slow to enter the public debate on tax policy to defend its record and advocate pro-growth tax policies. With Tax and British Business: Making the Case business now enters that debate
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The Tax and British Business: Making the Case campaign is about bringing an informed voice to the UK business tax debate. It is about highlighting the significant contribution business makes to our economy and society, and aims to combat the misunderstanding (and, sometimes, misinformation) that has been clouding this debate.

It also shows why a balanced and proportionate tax regime is needed to allow business to continue to grow the UK economy and contribute to society. In the end, with cuts in public spending, the only way out of our current situation is through private-sector growth. The private sector seeks to create genuine, sustainable jobs. But to do that – while recognising the need to pay taxes out of profits – the tax system must also enable businesses to compete effectively.

The CBI believes that business should not engage in abusive tax arrangements. However, in running their normal day-to-day activities, as well as in commercial transactions large and small, businesses need to manage their tax affairs as a key part in operating their business. But most businesses in the UK would never contemplate evading taxes or defrauding the government. They manage their taxes within the law and fully engage with HMRC.

Business has been slow to enter the public debate on tax policy to defend its record and advocate pro-growth tax policies. With Tax and British Business: Making the Case business now enters that debate.

The campaign, including a major new CBI report, was launched on Thursday, April 19, at a Policy Exchange event, at which the speakers included John Cridland, the CBI director-general, and David Gauke MP.