This week on The Tax Factor, Rehana Earle and Ele Theochari talk about the fallout from Angela Rayner’s resignation and what it says about the complexity of the UK tax system. Was it a simple SDLT mistake or something more? They also look at Labour’s revived debate on wealth taxes and Rachel Reeves’ cautious approach to reform ahead of November’s Budget.

HMRC has an increasing focus not just on the users of avoidance schemes but also on the individuals promoting them – including a barrister now in the spotlight and footballers facing hefty tax bills. And at a tribunal, one taxpayer tried the excuse that “rodents ate my receipts.” A creative attempt, but no cigar – just like the old “dog ate my homework,” it didn’t wash.