Scotland’s Finance Secretary seeks the profession’s input

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Robison made the comments at the CIOT/ATT Joint Presidents’ Lunch, held at Edinburgh’s Signet Library in May. Over 80 guests attended the event to hear the newly appointed Cabinet Secretary for Finance (and Deputy First Minister) set out her priorities for the Scottish tax system.

Robison welcomed the input of the CIOT and ATT, alongside the wider tax profession, in helping to shape Scottish tax policy. She hinted at upcoming efforts from the Scottish government to help to simplify the tax system north of the border.

The Cabinet Secretary lamented the loss of the UK’s Office of Tax Simplification and suggested forthcoming announcements on actions to improve Holyrood’s tax policy processes, with the possibility of a renewed focus on primary tax legislation alongside an updated Scottish Framework for Tax.

Robison also gave a strong defence of her government’s approach to income tax, saying that it helped to increase Scottish tax receipts, while supporting increased investment in public spending priorities.

Her remarks were the subject of considerable media interest following the event.

Welcoming guests, ATT President David Bradshaw spoke of an action-packed year that saw the CIOT and ATT working closely together on issues important to the tax profession, including HMRC service levels, the abolition of the Office of Tax Simplification and the potential impacts of further tax divergence between Scotland and the rest of the UK.

It was in many ways a valedictory event for outgoing CIOT President Susan Ball, who handed over the reins to Gary Ashford at the end of May. Ball offered thanks to those involved in preparations for the event and to all those who have provided help, support and encouragement in an ‘eventful’ presidential year.

Ashford’s elevation to the CIOT Presidency sets in train a succession of Scottish presidential terms that will be followed by Charlotte Barbour and Senga Prior when they become CIOT and ATT presidents respectively in 2024/25.

The lunch remains a popular event in the CIOT and ATT calendar, with the great and the good of Scotland’s tax and legal professions joined by guests from the worlds of politics, media and wider civic Scotland.