[jamesbrownuhh]

No, HMRC rents its offices from a commercial company - it just happens that the company is headquartered offshore. HMRC themselves aren't dodging tax, and I'm sure there is no suggestion that the offshore company is doing anything improper either, the article is more about the irony of HMRC seeming to endorse or validate such offshore behaviour when of course a big reason for companies to go offshore is to - legally - avoid tax which would otherwise have to be paid to authorities like HMRC.

[madaxe_again]

Although it's not really up to HMRC, they have to work through Private Finance Initiatives (PFIs), which the Thatcher and Major governments ushered in. Some people have become and will continue to become very wealthy from these deals. You might think that some of those beneficiaries might have been in government when PFI rules were introduced, and remain today - but you can't prove it, as the money trail usually goes cold offshore.

[lifeisstillgood]

Is there any hint of any evidence of that - it's an enormous accusation. Stupidity and near bankruptcy of the state have always been the assumptions I have worked with on why PFI was so popular. Actual corruption is a real step too far though. Then again maybe the people pf Iceland thought the same

[madaxe_again]

No, that's rather the point of offshoring things, usually through lengthy chains - although you only need three degrees to be immune to pretty much any kind of disclosure. As for corruption, it's again hard to pin down, as even if disclosed they're just private citizens managing legal investments.

[throwaway049]

I would rather it was corruption than stupidity. Our government are also in charge of a nuclear arsenal.

[Derpdiherp]

I see - thanks for the explanation.