Ex-pubs minister John Healey to join All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group duty fraud panel

The APPBG launched the inquiry into beer tax fraud following Government plans to introduce duty stamps on beer. In March the Government launched a consultation into the proposed introduction of duty stamps on beer bottles, cans and containers below 10 litres.  It claimed  that tax losses from beer duty fraud cost £500m per year and estimated that between 5-14% of beer consumption is illicit.

The APPBG is to put together a panel of MPs, which will invite views from those affected by the proposed legislation. The panel of MPs, expected to number at around 8,  will visit Dover to consider the challenges faced by Customs officers.

Healey was a former Treasury minister, from 2002 to 2007, was directly responsible for Customs and Excise and was also given responsibility for community pubs during his time as minister for local government.

Healey said: “Governments have a constant duty to stop fraud but the steps taken to tackle tax evasion can sometimes have unintended consequences and hit other taxpayers too.

“Our beer industry is a great British asset, and as Government goes after the fraudsters I want to make sure legitimate firms are properly protected. This All-Party Parliamentary inquiry aims to help ministers make the right decisions on the anti-fraud action needed.”

MP for Burton and chairman of the APPBG Andrew Griffiths MP said: “I am delighted that John has decided to take part in this inquiry. He brings a wealth of experience and skill to the task, which will greatly strengthen the Panel’s ability to explore the complex issues involved.”