Oral evidenceSelect & Joint CommitteesTuesday, 30 June 202609:30

Treasury Committee: Tax and duty non-compliance on high streets

Committee hears from witnesses

The Treasury Committee will hear oral evidence on tax and duty non-compliance affecting high street businesses and consumers. The inquiry examines how widespread evasion and avoidance of taxes and duties (such as VAT and excise duties on alcohol and tobacco) undermines legitimate retailers, inflates prices for honest consumers, and erodes the tax base that funds public services.

Tax non-compliance on the high street costs the Exchequer hundreds of millions annually and distorts competition, putting compliant retailers at a disadvantage. The findings will inform Treasury policy on enforcement, compliance support, and measures to level the playing field between legitimate and non-compliant traders—directly affecting consumer prices, small business viability, and public revenue.

Tax & Public Finances Crime & Policing Cost of Living

Committee mentioned:Treasury Committee