To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consideration his Department has given to means of simplifying the tax system in respect of small businesses. (322806)

The Government are committed to simplifying the tax system where it can and has included simplicity as one of the six principles of the “Tax Framework for Business”, on which it is currently consulting. Further information is available at:

http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/tax_governmenttaxforum_ index.htm

Since 2006 the Government have brought forward measures that reduce administrative burdens imposed by the tax system on business by around £540 million per annum. More details on the steps being taken to reduce burdens on small businesses are set out in the series of HM Revenue and Customs reports on "Delivering a new relationship with business", available at:

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/better-regulation/related-links.htm