Decision details

Engagement of Consultants

Decision Maker: Director of Finance and Resources, Section 151 Officer

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Decision:

To engage tax consultants PSTAX to perform a bespoke exercise to review the Council’s liability to Stamp Duty Land Tax. And potential for refunds.

Reasons for the decision:

The Council currently engages PSTAX to provide advice and guidance on all tax matters. An opportunity has arisen to work with PSTAX in pursuit of potential SDLT refund claims dating back up to 4 years. The review will also look into current and future purchases where the council is unable to claim exemption at the time due to awaited or unconfirmed funding being applied.

This review will be on a ‘no refund, no fee’ contingent service. Fees will be 10% of any gross refunds received from HMRC as a result of claims submitted using the PSTAX claim process.

Alternative options considered:

Not to progress the review. Rejected due to the opportunity for identifying potential refunds.

Publication date: 08/08/2023

Date of decision: 24/05/2023