LCAG is working in numerous ways and while we have three core objectives we aim to provide support and guidance wherever it is needed.
Regardless of your industry sector, whether you are impacted by IR35, CEST or the loan charge, whether you work for the private or public sector we offer a community that will support you and help you fight the hostile and undemocratic tax system that is persecuting freelancers across the United Kingdom.
Raising awareness
At LCAG we are acutely aware that HMRC has failed to inform the vast majority of scheme users that their arrangements now ’do not work’ or that they will soon be subject to the 2019 Loan Charge.
We have been successful in contributing to numerous articles in the broadsheets as well as having several pieces picked up by industry press.
We are challenging and changing the narrative that has been pushed by HMRC, shining a light on the lies and propaganda that government and HMRC have used to label honest hardworking freelancers as ‘tax avoiders’.
Support
It’s a pretty appalling fact that many people affected by the loan charge feel that this is causing them extreme anxiety and depression. Whilst LCAG is not able to offer a counselling service, as an organisation we do provide an empathic ear, to everyone affected by this cruel and unjust situation, and we are happy to speak with anyone finding it hard to cope emotionally because of this.
You are not alone, we are here to provide as much support as we can. If things seem insurmountable or you are having difficulty coping and would like to speak to someone from LCAG, you can contact us by texting ‘LCAG HELP’ to 81025. Someone will get back to you promptly during the daytime; if you text at night, someone will call you the following day.
Initiating Change
As well as the awareness and support, LCAG are working tirelessly to initiate change. We are asking the government to modify the loan charge legislation so that its application is prospective rather than retrospective.
We are under no illusion, we know that this is a big task!
The only way to affect this type of change is obtain sufficient political support so that HMRC and the treasury have to listen.
We were delighted when Liberal Democrat MP Stephen Lloyd, sponsored an Early Day Motion calling on the government to review the loan charge. At the time of writing the EDM now has support from 79 cross party MPs. These MPs are calling on the government to recognise that HMRC has overstepped the mark and that an urgent review of both its operation and management are needed to ensure that it delivers a modern efficient tax system that is fit for purpose and fair for all.