‘Kill yourself’ benefit claim

STAR BUCKS

STARBUCKS had to cough up £2.9million in back tax, as its UK profits halved.

The huge US coffee chain, which came under fire for paying the Treasury paltry sums, owed the cash for 2015.

Its payment, made last year, is believed to relate to the way it dealt with the sale of stores it owned to franchisees.

To add to its woes, its UK arm made £13.4million in the year to October, down from £34.2million in 2015. Sales fell from £405.6million to £379.8million.

It said “slowing growth, Brexit and security concerns” had dented consumer confidence. But the firm has also been hit by booming sales at cheaper rivals. And it could be left frothing at the mouth at the news that sales at Costa rose nearly 11% in the six months to September.

However Martin Brok, Starbucks’ European boss, remains defiantly upbeat.

He declared: “We are investing significantly and are greatly encouraged by our customers’ response.”

Starbucks’ latest tax bill was on top of just under £2.7million corporation tax for 2016.

In 2012 it vowed to voluntarily pay £20million in corporation tax after being roasted for allegedly using complex schemes to cut UK tax. Cheltenham, Glos, has been hailed as Britain’s “coffee capital” as its 11th Costa is set to open, meaning there are 19 big-name coffee shops in the centre of the genteel spa town. A WOMAN with mental health problems being assessed for benefits was allegedly asked: “Why haven’t you killed yourself yet?”

Alice Kirby, 25, who claims she was asked the question as she applied for PIP payments, said: “We are forced to explain our reasons to stay alive. No one should be expected to do that.”

Private firm Atos, which carried out the assessment for the DWP in Sheffield, said: “The specific question is inappropriate and, if asked, would not meet our high standards.”