The official version of this document can be found via the PDF button.
The below content has been automatically generated from the original PDF and some formatting may have been lost, therefore it should not be relied upon to extract citations or propose amendments.
States Greffe: Scrutiny
Deputy Susie Pinel
Minister for Treasury & Resources
By email
23rd September 2020 Dear Minister
Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel Quarterly public hearing – follow up questions
Firstly, the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel (the Panel) would like to thank you and relevant officers for attending the quarterly public hearing on Monday 14th September 2020. There were a few outstanding questions and points raised in the hearing which the Panel would like to follow up with you.
Tax Returns and Assessments
• Concerned members of the public have advised us that queries in relation to their 2019 and 2020 tax returns are not being answered. Could you confirm how many tax queries for 2019 and 2020 are outstanding?
• Of the 66,650 2019 Tax Returns that were issued, how many have you received back completed?
a) Of these how many have been completed online?
• How many of the 2019 assessments have been processed?
- How many 2019 Notice of Assessment have now been sent?
- Do your officials still plan to complete the 2019 assessing by Christmas?
Data Protection – Spend Local Cards
In the public hearing it was confirmed to the Panel that a wealth of valuable data is being gathered as islanders make use of their "Spend Local" cards. Could you please confirm to the Panel that the data gathered and its use is compliant with the Data Protection (Jersey) Law 2018?
Forecasted States Revenue Report
Also, the Panel were advised in the public hearing that a copy of the most up to date Forecasted States Revenue Report would be forwarded for their attention. Could you please clarify when this report will be received by the Panel?
Overpaid Income Tax Instalment Scheme payments 2020
Furthermore, the Panel were advised that consideration would be given by treasury as to whether overpaid Income Tax Instalment Scheme monies for 2020 could be returned to islander's pockets in 2021. The Panel would like to receive confirmation on the total of monies overpaid in 2020 and follow up which has been completed by treasury following the public hearing in this regard.
Borrowing – Fiscal Policy Panel (FPP) advice
In addition, at the public hearing it was stated that the Fiscal Policy Panel viewed borrowing as a means of deferring the Prior Year Basis tax further into the future, could the relevant advice please be forwarded to the Panel. This can of course be done so in a confidential manner if necessary.
Finally, the Panel would like to take this opportunity to enquire when it can expect lodging of the Revenue Administration Law amendments, and if any changes to the drafted amendments have taken place or are envisaged? The Panel would further query if there has been progress in Personal Tax Reform and if you still plan to deliver independent taxation for the 2022 year of assessment? Also, would you be able to supply the Panel with the updated Social Security Fund Investment Valuation for its COVID-19 Response and Recovery review.
I look forward to your response and would appreciate it if this could be received by Wednesday 7th October 2020.
Yours sincerely
Senator Kristina Moore
Chair, Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel