HMRC taskforce targets Blackpool and Lakes firms

HMRC has  launched a clampdown on tax dodgers in the holiday industry in Blackpool and the Lake District.

A taskforce of inspectors will visit traders to examine their records and carry out other investigations.

Taskforces tackling tax evasion in the holiday industry in North Wales, South West and South Wales, restaurants in East of England, road hauliers in the Midlands, and the fishing industry in Scotland were also launched today.

The taskforce is expected to recover £3mn.

David Gauke, the exchequer secretary to the Treasury, said: “We are determined to support hardworking people who want to get on in this industry and every other. However, the people being targeted by this taskforce have no intention of playing by the rules. The Government has made it clear that we will not tolerate tax evasion and we have provided HMRC with the resources to crack down on those who break the rules.“

HMRC has collected more than £80m as a result of taskforces launched since 2011-12.

HMRC’s Jennie Granger, director general enforcement and compliance, said:“Our message is clear – if you seek to evade tax or defraud the tax system, HMRC can and will track you down. You will face not only a heavy fine, but possibly a criminal prosecution as well.”