We're all in this together (3)

The Conservatives' slogan The "Big Society" and "We're all in this together." Formed part of his first speech after the election. It was Wednesday 06 October 2010 when Mr Cameron said "This is not a cry for help, but a call to arms. Come on, let's pull together, Let's come together, Let's work together in the national interest. It's about government helping to build a nation of doers and go-getters. It is right that those with broader shoulders bore a larger share of the burden of reducing the deficit, and the Government would always aim to ensure measures to cut spending were fair."

So I thought I would observe things around me.  Just to see if we are 'all in this together.' To see if the load has been shouldered by everyone. To see if we have all actually played a part in sharing the burden. Helping to recover the country and improving everyone's living standards. After all as millionaire David Cameron says, we're all in this together, well we are - aren't we?

Google announced record British earnings of £3.6 billion last year, an increase of £600 million on 2012. But the on-line search giant has yet to disclose how much corporation tax it will pay. It will come under enormous pressure over the figure following fierce criticism over its tax affairs. For 2012, the multinational paid just £11.6million of tax on an income of £3 billion.

Margaret Hodge, chairman of the Commons Public Accounts Committee urged the Government to take action. 'This again shows the scandal where profits are made from economic activity and yet Google refuses to pay its fair share of tax.'  Jonathan Isaby, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance said: 'Ordinary taxpayers are angry when big international companies take advantage of the loopholes in our increasingly complicated tax system.' Richard Murphy tax accountant said 'On the basis of Google’s global performance and the share of its profits in the UK we would expect it to pay more than £200million a year in the UK.'  What we do know is that for the last year it reported, Google declared it paid just £11million. So the question is on the table – where are the missing millions?

Proving once and for all, we're all in this together!

However, it is the politicians themselves who are responsible for this state of affairs by creating a tax system which is hugely complicated and open to being exploited. The only solution to this is to create a simpler, fairer and more competitive tax system.

While the government is acting like a rabbit in the headlights. Among those hoping the tax fiasco is fixed are non-international companies based in the UK. Which have become increasingly vocal in their attacks on the unfair tax advantages afforded to some multinationals. Some of Britain's largest high-street chains including Sainsbury's, John Lewis, Dixons and Mothercare have all called for a crackdown on multinationals tax arrangements. 

But it's your pound and it's in your pocket. The government are seemingly frightened of the wealthy multinationals, will do nothing. So can you find another supplier other than the tax avoiders to make your purchases.