I get what you are saying, Ferny, but for me, beating/cheating the system is wrong - regardless of the amounts involved. 

Ah, if out were only that simple. 

My understanding is that these companies (Google, Vodafone, Starbucks and Amazon) are working within the tax laws of the land.

I believe Amazon have made a tax contribution but have made it clear that it is not because they have to but because they want to.

The GBP could on mass stop using these companies and spend their cash on companies that operate within the UK tax system paying back into the economy.

But the downside would be that these organisations employ a lot of people in the UK.

I totally agree Yogi........but when you look at the figures.....them that already claim a decent wage from our taxes....to then go on & claim expenses for X amounts for all sorts of reasons....really doesn't compare!

Within who's law......
not mine!
These businesses are creaming us for millions.......
and I totally agree........the GBP SHOULD blank em!
Absolutely!
I pay my taxes on the pittance that I earn......why the heck shouldn't they ?

Sorry Ferny, who do you mean? 

Hey ferny one

I get what you're saying, but I wonder what the figures would look like if those big conglomerates left our country? How much tax would we lose out on from their workers? How much would our benefits bill go up?

We are being firmly held over the proverbial barrel

Them that rule us...them that claim expenses from the tax pot....
And them that make money on the backs of us & then don't pay what they owe!

In comparison ....the amount claimed fraudulently by the individual that has nowt..........to those who earns loads and still seek to cheat the system.....is vast!. to say the least. 

The expenses fiddling was atrocious, but it doesn't excuse benefit fiddling.

Too many people think it's okay to cheat and steal because it's only a small amount. Well, imo, it isn't okay. It's wrong, and I'm not going to dismiss it because somebody else is cheating/fiddling bigger amounts. 

At times, I feel that this country has lost its moral compass, it's depressing.

Hey Sweetness 

Well...for example...let's take Starbucks......throw them out!
we still have Nero's and every other local coffee house....Paying their taxes like they should!
Starbucks would be NO loss!
Vodafone!....can think of many other mobile providers..whom all pay their taxes ...
I could go on...

Annnnd....we shouldn't be known for a country where a large corporation can just take advantage!
They take our money...they should pay our taxes!

An extract from our local paper.......claiming for paper clips and pencil sharpeners 

http://www.shieldsgazette.com/...ion-leader-1-6424103

Hmmmmmm, noble crusade yer ferness, but i doubt it will ever happen

And, I am firmly with Yogi. Just because big businesses treat our systems unfairly, it doesn't excuse a 'little person' doing the same, however small the amount.

And, as EC said, these big businesses are trading within our tax laws.  It's harsh, but legal

Cheating the system is wrong! whoever you are..I agree Yogi!

What I am demonstrating is...that the amount is disproportionate!
The government will have you think that benefit fraud is rife...
But when you actually look at the figures... it looks like this!

And if you stop all benefit fraud tomorrow it would save the equivalent of £120 a year.

If you eradicated scroungers it would take 1,100 years to pay off the national debt with the money saved. If you got all corporations to pay their tax – an estimated £25bn a year – you could do it in 44 years.

A massive difference ....

Sorry Slimfern ....I'm with Yogi on this one ...cheating is cheating , big or small  

Ha! Guess she won't be voted back in

Exactly!

So let's make the little man on £70 a week JSA the villain because he works a day or two to earn a few bob...without declaring it!

So long as you are advocating going after the benefit cheats as well as the corporate tax dodgers, then I'm with you.

Me too Baz..........
I'm assuming you both have it in for each and every MP that has cheated on their expenses......not MADE big corporations to pay what they owe ??

The fact that her expenses claim was ridiculous does not negate that fact that your JSA man is cheating the system. It's all cheating/fraud.

Oh absolutely.....cheating is cheating...we all lose out as a result......but there are them up top that really take the pee.........I have a mind to let the little man wait!