Wanted: New taxman earning £385-a-day
SCOTTISH ministers are advertising for a new £385a- day chief to head a taxcollecting quango, j ust months after its launch.
The successful applicant will oversee collection of the land and buildings transaction tax (LBTT), as well as income tax once it is devolved to Holyrood.
Dr Keith Nicholson was appointed as chairman of Revenue Scotland on an interim basis and will remain i n place until a successor is appointed.
The person chosen to take over will have unprecedented access to people’s personal data as the SNP plans to open up the NHS database to more than 100 public bodies.
Part of its motivation is to help Revenue Scotland tackle tax evasion, but critics have warned the move will be an unnecessary breach of privacy and a stepping stone to ID cards. The job advert – posted on the website Public Appointments Scotland and in a Sunday broadsheet – said the new revenue chief would apply the principles of celebrated 18th century economist Adam Smith t o modern t ax collection.
‘ Taxation funds services that change people’s lives. It is at the core of creating a progressive society in which everyone can play their full part and share the benefits of success. We need the right person to lead the next steps in that journey,’ the advert says.
‘An exciting opportunity has now arisen to join the board of Revenue Scotland as chairman, charged with leading a distinctive and robust 21st century Scottish tax authority.
‘Applying and building on Adam Smith’s four principles of taxation – proportionality, certainty for the taxpayer, ease of payment and efficiency – this is a unique chance to provide strong leadership, develop the culture of Revenue Scotland and create a new kind of tax administration designed to serve the people and needs of Scotland.’
Experts revealed LBTT cost the Scottish Government £11million in only one month by triggering a slump in sales at the high end of the market.
However, ministers insisted that Revenue Scotland had been a success.
A spokesman said: ‘ On Wednesday, April 1, as planned, Revenue Scotland collected the first national tax in more than 300 years, via an online collection system. Revenue Scotland’s first five months as an independent organisation have gone well and, now that both taxes are live, the time is right to fill the position of chair on a substantive basis.’
A public spending watchdog warned the new chairman must lead a transparent and waste-free organisation.
Eben Wilson, of Taxpayer-Scotland, said: ‘As these inevitable costs of the new tax collection powers in Scotland burgeon, we hope that total transparency on costs, and proper performance management, is followed at all times.
‘It’s vital that those who earn less than our new taxing masters know that these new powers to collect our money are being used efficiently. We certainly don’t want to see yet more waste and unnecessary spending on any muddle or mistakes.’
‘An exciting opportunity’