Councillor pledges to stop council employing tax evaders

Councillor Ric Brackenbury, Lib Dem Finance spokesman, wants the council to ask “tougher questions” when it comes to large companies bidding for contracts.

He wants them to be grilled about whether they have been accused of hiding profits, or whether they’ve been convicted of tax fraud in other countries around the world.

If approved tonight, the council can then use any of this information about company tax history when deciding who to give the contract to.

Mr Brackenbury said: “Like many people I’ve been dismayed how easily international companies can move profits between countries to minimise tax bills. If this is approved, it’ll send a clear message that Milton Keynes won’t stand for corporate tax cheats.

“The government allows us to ask these extra questions, so I say that it’s time we do so.”