NPower tax avoidance, time to switch

30/04/2013

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As Brits struggle with increasing energy bills the news that a leading energy provider in the U.K. is racking up millions tax dodging will not be well received. A week ago it was widely reported that NPower had denied allegtions of tax avoidance but now the cat is out of the bag.. We were alerted to the news by way of an email from 38 Degrees, a fairly new and impressive petition service.

The email said, "Npower have been rumbled! Over the past few days a top tax expert has been investigating their accounts. Today the results of that investigation – paid for by donations from 38 Degrees members – are splashed across the Sun newspaper.

The investigation reveals the likely explanation for why Npower aren’t paying any corporation tax - and surprise surprise, it’s not something you’ll see mentioned in any of their publicity. It seems they’re funneling profits made in the UK through a shell company in Malta. Why, you ask? Well, it looks like it helped them dodge a whopping £60 million in tax over the last four years!

We’ve got them. Other tax dodging companies have backed down under the glare of publicity. Today’s newspaper coverage is a great start. Can you add to the pressure by helping prove to Npower that the public expect them to pay their fair share of tax?"

As the Sun reports "More than half of the firm’s funding comes from German owner RWE via loans paid through a shell company based in the Mediterranean tax haven.  Npower then pays back annual interest on the loans to the Maltese company — called Scaris. A great legal scam we guess.

Opinion:
What a farce. Time for the UK government to get their act in order. Time for energy providers to come clean. Time for them to cut energy bills. Time for the nonsense to stop. Time to switch provider? Time to re-nationalise and put the British back in energy?

If you feel strongly about this matter please sign the petition here. Adding our signature today brings the total to 102298.

Sources:
Sky News
The Sun
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Nick Clegg talks about energy but gets sidetracked by snooping plans

11/04/2012

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Just a few of the providers
UK Deputy Prime Minster Nick Clegg faced Breakfast TV cameras this morning to announce government proposals re our fuel bills. 

The energy industry was privatised by a previous Conservative government which has left customers paying a variety of charges. Whilst it was applauded by some many had qualms. In some ways it has proved to be good for UK householders but not as competitive as had been hoped. After all there are still only so many energy providers and suppliers.

Since privatisation of UK energy it has proved quite a battle to get the best deal. Each supplier has a range of tariffs. You may find that the tariff you opted for last year, which was brilliant then, is now the pits. You can change your provider but for some vulnerable householders this is not as easy as it could be. Securing the best deal around often needs the use of a computer and the Internet in order to "shop around".

Mr Clegg was interviewed on UK Breakfast TV April 11, 2012, explaining proposals which should hep energy customers get the best value for their money. The latest government initiative will mean that energy providers have to issue an update once a year regarding the best value deal available to its customers. Vulnerable customers, such as those living on a limited invalidity income or the elderly will receive a statement twice a year.

In theory this sounds a brilliant idea and it will help many. It may however confuse some customers and it will not cost the companies involved nothing, will it? The statements will have to involve the use of hard copy which will be far from eco friendly or cost free.

Will this mean that any associated costs will be passed down to customers and the prices be less attractive?
Mr Clegg claimed customers could save around £100 a year. He said, "We have secured a landmark deal with the six big energy companies who cover 99% of customers, to give customers a guaranteed offer of the best tariff for them."Right now, seven out of 10 customers are on the wrong tariff for their needs, so are paying too much. "Yet people rarely switch, despite the fact some families could save up to £100 a year. "There are currently over 120 different tariffs, making it very difficult to know where to start. That is going to change. "As of this autumn, your supplier will have to contact you with the best tariff for your needs - and if you call them, they'll have to offer you the best deal too."

Nick Clegg is a good speaker and the way he explained the changes they did sound positive. Of course the interviewers ciould not wait to get to the thorny issues of internet freedom and snooping by the authorities. Clegg may be a good speaker, and perhaps a genuine man, but you could see he was prepared but not happy to discuss the subject.

Having previously denied any knowledge of the government internet snooping plans, yesterday's announcement by Tory PM David Cameron that Mr Clegg and members of his party were well aware of the changes, Nick is in a sticky position. It was not hard to see that he was uncomfortable but he bluffed it out. In the end Mr Clegg said that he and his party accepted that some changes may be necessary but they would not allow the implementation of Draconian measures.

Well Mr Clegg, we shall soon see if you can put your money where your mouth is, won't we?


Tags: Nick Clegg, UK energy, energy providers, Gas, Electric, annual energy statements, internet snooping
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