A CONSERVATIVE Government would undertake a full and fundamental review of small business taxation, including IR35.

Our aim will be to provide a simpler, clearer and lasting tax regime, so businesses can plan with confidence.

Confirming the news today, Shadow Business Minister Mark Prisk, who is also Shadow Minister for Cornwall said:

“For the last 13 years, Labour have constantly meddled with the tax rules for freelancers and self-employed. IR35 has especially proved to over-complex, uncertain and often unfair. At a time when Britain should be open for business, Gordon Brown has made it harder to be self-employed.

“This is why a Conservative Government would mandate the independent Office of Tax Simplification to undertake a fundamental review of current arrangements with the aim of providing a clearer, lasting and fairer tax regime.

“Small businesses cannot afford 5 more years of Gordon Brown. Only the Conservatives have the energy and the ideas to get Britain working by boosting enterprise.”