I think the RF should pay corporation, capital gain tax and personal tax, like every other family and company.
I was watching the channel 4 Despatches programme tonight, and was so astounded I
rewound and took notes. Yes, I should get out more! But in case you didn't watch it:
◦ £132 million is to be paid by government (ie tax payers ) to the Royal Family in 2025
◦ The RF also have extensive land estates (Duchies of Cornwall and Lancaster).
◦ How the RF make their millions has been kept secret from us and parliament for centuries
◦ Over 5000 of their undeclared properties were discovered by Channel 4 despatches.
◦ We pay, for example £1.5 million for Dartmoor prison every year, although it’s empty and not usable because of radon gas. We must also pay for any repairs
◦ The RF say they aren’t funded by the tax payer, but channel 4 says that in fact they are, and that they make many millions from us.
◦ Several state schools have to pay the family rent
◦ The family charge us for training our own troops to defend our country on their land. Despite the King being the head of the armed forces, they are cashing in. They refuse to say how much they charge. They even charge for use of jetties on their shores, eg from where naval vessels set sail
◦ Even the NHS is not exempt-they say they are “helping the NHS” . Yes, but it turns out that it is by renting out land eg at Guys and St Thomases for lucrative amounts. All free of corporation tax, naturally, unlike any other company.
◦ Even some local charities and community groups pay them, all the while the RF is promoting them.: “Millions of pounds in rent”, including for MacMillan and Comic relief, of which the former has earned the RF £22 million.
◦ They have new mining interests, often at odds with environmental campaigners, with potential risks to land, water and animals .
◦ Many of the homes they rent out are amongst the lowest 14% in the uk in terms of condition eg mould, cracks, no insulation. They say it “may not be feasible” to comply with UK environmental legislation, even though all other landlords must.
All whilst exempt from the corporation or capital gains tax paid by every other company. They pay some income tax, but they won’t divulge details.
The greed is shocking and breathtaking. I don’t want to hear another word on helping the environment, fixing the climate or eradicating homelessness from their mouths.
No wonder they are so astoundingly, breathtakingly rich.
I think this programme will become a big talking point in coming days.