Reform non-dom statuses so super wealthy pay their fair share, says Darling

Former Chancellor Alistair Darling has called for the scrapping of non-domiciled statuses for the super-rich – which can allow people to hold wealth and income overseas to avoid paying UK tax. The Times (£) reports that Darling wants an overhaul of the system to ensure those that use it “pay their fair share of taxes”.

He said:

“It’s time to look again at non-dom status. People who live here and enjoy public services should pay their fair share of the taxes that pay for them.

“Fairness demands that those who are resident here and who can well afford to pay their taxes should do. It’s time to change these rules.”

Non-dom status is currently held by the billionaire Russian owner of Chelsea Football Club, Roman Abramovich, and Tory MP Zac Goldsmith held hereditary non-dom status before entering the Commons. Before the last election, major Tory donor Lord Ashcroft was forced to admit that he also holds non-dom status.

Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls has already said that he intends to tighten the rules on this issue, but it is not yet clear what this will entail.

Darling, was was chair of the successful Better Together campaign in the Scottish referendum, will stand down from Parliament at this election – but it’s not yet clear how high-profile a campaigning role he plans to have in the meantime.