All politicians and commentators say they want a “fair” tax system. If they say what they mean at all, they usually mean ensuring the “rich” pay more than whatever they pay now.

But what is “fairness” in taxation? What is a fair share for the rich to pay, and who are they anyway?

What about fairness between the generations, between the treatment of income and wealth, savings and earnings, employed and self employed? Between taxpayers and the tax authorities? Or between people who live, earn, save and spend in different ways?

These are among the issues to be explored in fringe events at the Labour, Conservative and SNP party conferences hosted jointly by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT).

Panellists announced so far to discuss 'Is the tax system fair?' include Seema Malhotra (Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury), Damian Hinds (Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury), John Swinney (Deputy First Minister of Scotland) and Philip Collins (The Times).

Attendance is free of charge and refreshments will be served. So do join us if you are going to be at any of the conferences. Details are below.

Labour Party Conference

29 September 2015 | 12:45 - 14:00

Venue:
Victoria Terrace, Grand Hotel, Brighton, BN1 2FW (outside secure zone).
(NB. The Victoria Terrace is immediately on the left as you enter the hotel)

Speakers:
Chair – Chris Jones (President of the CIOT; Director of Tax Markets at Lexis Nexis)
Seema Malhotra MP (Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury)
Philip Collins (columnist and chief leader writer for The Times; Chair of trustees at Demos)
Bill Dodwell (Deputy President of the CIOT; Head of Tax Policy at Deloitte)
Paul Johnson (Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies)

Conservative Party Conference

05 October 2015 | 17:45 - 19:00

Venue:
Walters Suite, Radisson Blu Hotel, Peter Street, Manchester, M2 5GP (outside secure zone)

Speakers:
Chair – Chris Jones (President of the CIOT; Director of Tax Markets at Lexis Nexis)
Damian Hinds MP (Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury)
John Cullinane (Tax Policy Director of the CIOT)
Paul Johnson (Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies)
Independent commentator (to be confirmed)

SNP conference

17 October 2015 | 12:30 - 13:45

Venue:
Crombie Suite B, Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC), Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, AB23 8BL (inside the secure zone – only conference pass holders will be able to attend)

Speakers:
Chair – Moira Kelly (Chair, CIOT Scottish Taxes Sub-Committee)
John Swinney MSP (Deputy First Minister and Finance Secretary)
John Cullinane (Tax Policy Director of the CIOT)
Paul Johnson (Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies)

It is not a requirement to register for these events, but it would be helpful for catering and seating purposes to have an idea of numbers. So if you are thinking of attending, we would be grateful if you could email @email to let us know.