Help the UK economy

[Formicahunt]

A while back there was a report that drugs and prostitution bright about £10 billion into the economy. Now there's a call for cannabis to be legalised, partly to cut out criminal profits but also to raise funds. A lot around prositution is already legal so why doesn't the government do a bit more to make money off it? I'd happily do my bit to support the NHS, teachers, and police.

[cerealpunter]

A while back there was a report that drugs and prostitution bright about £10 billion into the economy. Now there's a call for cannabis to be legalised, partly to cut out criminal profits but also to raise funds. A lot around prositution is already legal so why doesn't the government do a bit more to make money off it? I'd happily do my bit to support the NHS, teachers, and police.

What sort of thing do you suggest, another form of tax ? All SP's should be paying tax on all their earnings 
Some want to see the end of the "cash" economy and use of cash, to stop or reduce tax evasion, that could make anonymous punting even more difficult if it were ever to happen

[Formicahunt]

That's another debate isn't it? No doubt that cash is on its way out. For this though It wouldn't mean another tax, just the enforcement of an SP paying tax on income. I bet some do but they're surely in a minority. Going after tax could also bring the industry out of the shadows and make it seem less taboo, doubt it but maybe.

[cerealpunter]

That's another debate isn't it? No doubt that cash is on its way out. For this though It wouldn't mean another tax, just the enforcement of an SP paying tax on income. I bet some do but they're surely in a minority. Going after tax could also bring the industry out of the shadows and make it seem less taboo, doubt it but maybe.

It would be very difficult to enforce though, especially with it all being cash (I've seen a few advertise on AW that they accept bank transfer, I'm not sure many punters would go for that option though) A service provider could be a bored housewife who is happy earning a hundred quid a couple of times a month, how could you enforce that ? to the full time escort with potential to earn decent money, the latter is the one most likely to be paying "some" tax as living a full cash lifestyle is getting harder these days. (as stated in another thread, it's a reason some have a "normal" job as well)
Advertising especially internet sites with pics etc would open up a lot of SP's to be traceable these days, but I'm not sure R+C have enough staff to trace every SP

[Ali Katt]

A while back there was a report that drugs and prostitution bright about £10 billion into the economy. Now there's a call for cannabis to be legalised, partly to cut out criminal profits but also to raise funds. A lot around prositution is already legal so why doesn't the government do a bit more to make money off it? I'd happily do my bit to support the NHS, teachers, and police.

Cannabis is already practically decriminalised. The police just chase people who grow it or to indite criminals with possession because they have no evidence of another crime they did such as burglary. Go to any town centre and you will see someone smoking cannabis without an arrest being made.

[daviemac]

That's another debate isn't it? No doubt that cash is on its way out. For this though It wouldn't mean another tax, just the enforcement of an SP paying tax on income. I bet some do but they're surely in a minority. Going after tax could also bring the industry out of the shadows and make it seem less taboo, doubt it but maybe.

HMRC already go after anyone who avoids tax, they don't discriminate. They can only work within the constraints of budget and manpower currently available though, as a result many don't get caught.

[Jimmyredcab]

HMRC already go after anyone who avoids tax, they don't discriminate. They can only work within the constraints of budget and manpower currently available though, as a result many don't get caught.

It’s very hard to prove what a prostitute is taking unless she is stupid enough to bank her earnings.

If HMRC was run like a business they would employ a lot more inspectors.

[Itsnotshy]

Decriminalisation of this industry would be great, but more chance of a giant Stoat emerging alive and fully formed from the anus of a Swede.

[threechilliman]

A while back there was a report that drugs and prostitution bright about £10 billion into the economy. Now there's a call for cannabis to be legalised, partly to cut out criminal profits but also to raise funds. A lot around prositution is already legal so why doesn't the government do a bit more to make money off it? I'd happily do my bit to support the NHS, teachers, and police.

'Whats your hourly rate?'

'£120 per hour plus VAT'

Might help the economy, but not the punter. As others have said it'd be unenforceable.

[Beesting888]

'Whats your hourly rate?'

'£120 per hour plus VAT'

Might help the economy, but not the punter. As others have said it'd be unenforceable.

Don't talk rubbish, HMRC would put the WG on PAYF

[shagmore]

I have paid a WG with transfer to her account, put it through the company as consultancy

[JamesKW]

It’s very hard to prove what a prostitute is taking unless she is stupid enough to bank her earnings.

If HMRC was run like a business they would employ a lot more inspectors.

Yes,HMRC sacked most of their inspectors and only even look at legal businesses on an ad hoc basis,they likely use aglorythm software to check discrepancies.Legalising prostitution would not be popular with punters,as proper accounting records would need to be kept and its not just those with partners at risk nowdays, but also those in careers they want to keep.

[fantasticmrfox]

HMRC do have a set up where they cover escorts etc. I have no idea about how efficient, dynamic, systematic or how well resourced it is. But a pal of mine who works in the civil service mentioned its extremely hard to take action as in a tribunal......not that im taking issue against WG, rather taxman go after the big internet firms.....And no lads, I don't know how you get a job in this ssection  .

But the OP is right looks like the economy is in need of a hand. They used to say taxi drivers were a good litmus test, that was before uber. I wonder if WGs can also see if there's trouble round the corner if punters are spending less money

[Formicahunt]

There was a case in the 80s when a well know wg was taken to court, can't remember her name though. HMRC is a joke. I've not worked self employed for about 15 years now but I still get letters telling me I'm being penalised for late declaration.

Most grey economy elements are consistent in prices, not much variation in the price of drugs nationally, but the variation for wg's is huge, £5 crack BJ to high end over night. Would make it hard to estimate earnings.

[ian cognito]

It was Lindi St Clare (aka Miss Whiplash). As I recall, her defence was that by paying tax on her prossie earnings she would make the taxman guilty of living off immoral earnings  . I worked just around the corner from her flat in Earls Court and saw her out in the street wearing her working clothes. She was yelling at the bin men at the time. Looked pretty scary to me.

[mrhappypants]

Bullshit thread in my opinion.

[sub_marine]

It was Lindi St Clare (aka Miss Whiplash). As I recall, her defence was that by paying tax on her prossie earnings she would make the taxman guilty of living off immoral earnings  . I worked just around the corner from her flat in Earls Court and saw her out in the street wearing her working clothes. She was yelling at the bin men at the time. Looked pretty scary to me.

And didn't she famously accept luncheon vouchours from office workers, thereby negating certain charges

[ian cognito]

No, that was Cynthia Payne.