Is underpaying tax as bad as theft? Britain’s deputy prime minister has resigned over the stamp duty on her seaside flat. Some think her downfall should alert us to the true cost of tax avoidance.
Money, mayhem and a resignation
A Rayn on her parade: Angela Rayner became a mother at the age of only 16, before going on to become one of the UK's top politicians. Comprehension quiz
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1. The word “constituency” in this context means:
A: The specific geographical area that an MP represents in parliament.
B: A group of financial supporters for a political party.
C: A type of property tax for second homes.
D: The main policy a politician supports.
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Which word is the closest synonym for “accountable”?
A: Wealthy
B: Responsible
C: Hidden
D: Unreliable
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According to the article, why did Angela Rayner have to resign?
A: She was found guilty of tax evasion.
B: An angry resident spray-painted her house.
C: She launched a new housing policy.
D: She was found to have broken the ministerial code.
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According to Tax Justice UK, how much is the country missing in unpaid tax?
A: £40,000
B: £70,000
C: £40bn
D: £30,000
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According to the article, who is the BBC’s chief political correspondent?
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In your own words, summarise the two opposing viewpoints in the article about whether tax avoidance is worse than theft.
Answers
Tap to reveal
1. A2. B 3. D 4. C 5. Henry Zeffman 6. One viewpoint is that tax avoidance is worse than theft because it takes money away from public services that everyone needs, like the police, and the problem is huge, amounting to at least £40 billion a year. The opposing viewpoint is that theft is worse because it involves intentionally taking a possession from someone, whereas tax avoidance can be an accidental mistake due to complex rules, and some loopholes are legal.