The Public Accounts Committee today published its report on HMRC and the way in which it’s dealing with tax disputes. It found that there is £25 billion outstanding in unresolved tax bills, mostly from large companies. The HMRC did not fully cooperate with the Public Accounts Committee and sought to keep details from Parliament and public scrutiny.

The Permanent Secretary of the Tax Department, David Hartnett, has come under severe criticism that he has “too cosy” a relationship with big business. He refused to apologise for the tax fiascos and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, has failed to back him as previously reported by the Daily Mail.

Whilst small businesses and individuals are being relentlessly chased by HMRC, it is becoming apparent that a different more lenient approach is being taken with big businesses who have wined and dined David Hartnett.

David Cameron’s reaction, through his official spokesperson has been to deny all this. The PM simply doesn’t seem to care that there might be tax revenue due to the government which is the equivalent of £1000 for each person in the UK or 6p in income tax!

UKUncut who have longed campaigned to highlight this issue has launched legal action to recover tax from Goldman Sachs from money raised from public donations. You can donate here.

Listen to the Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, Margaret Hodge MP talk to the Today Programme on Radio4 about the report’s findings below on Audioboo.

Also, below is today’s media reaction to these shocking revelations which mean that ordinary people are having to pay more!

BBC Business – MPs attack ‘cosy deals’ at HMRC

Channel4 News – HMRC accused of bending the rules for big firms

The Telegraph – Why double standards by HM Revenue and Customs mean you pay more

The Daily Mail – Big firms let off £25BILLION in taxes: As families are chased for every penny, corporate giants dodge their massive bills

The Sun – Firms’ £25bn tax let-offs

UPDATE

The Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Rachel Reeves MP, has now written to George Osborne asking for a response to this report before Christmas.