Robinson meets with Varney Taxation Review Team

Finance Minister, Rt Hon Peter Robinson MP, MLA welcomed Sir David Varney to Belfast today, launching the Review of Taxation Policy and Economic Growth in Northern Ireland.

The meeting with Mr Robinson was the first in a series with key stakeholders that will take place over the next two days. Sir David will have talks with key representatives from all the main political parties and a wide range of business interests.

Mr Robinson said: “This review will consider the role of corporation tax and other measures that may help the local economy grow.

“I hope that all the key stakeholders will play their part in taking the review forward. The importance of identifying all the available policy levers that can stimulate economic development in Northern Ireland cannot be overestimated.”

Sir David, who will report back to the Chancellor in the autumn, said: “It is a timely opportunity to assess how tax policy can support growth in the Northern Ireland economy. Over the coming months I look forward to exploring these issues further with local policy makers and businesses.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Sir David Varney is the former Chairman of HM Revenue & Customs. He was also the Chancellor’s Senior Advisor on Transformational Government.
2. Prior to that, Sir David has been Chairman of MM02 and was previously Chief Executive of BG Group (formerly British Gas) from 1996 to 2000.
3. Sir David served as Chairman of London’s New Deal Employer Coalition, responsible for promoting the Government’s employment New Deal to business and the public from 1998 – 1999. In November 1999 he was appointed to the Ministerial Performance Review Panel to monitor the implementation of the New Deal. He was also a member of the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food (2001 – 2002).
4. The review into the role of tax policy in support of growth in business and investment in Northern Ireland was announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 22 March with the aim of producing a final report in the autumn.
5. The terms of reference of the review are: ‘how current and future tax policy, and including the tax changes announced in the Budget, can support sustainable growth of business and long-term investment in Northern Ireland’.