-
United States Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA)In 2010, the US government passed the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) obliging US citizens, regardless of dual citizenships and even though they may not have lived in the US since childhood, to self-report their non-US assets and to pay US tax on foreign income if the foreign tax should be less than US tax. For example, if such persons sell their home, then they are liable for American capital gains tax on the sale as the UK levies no such tax. FATCA obliges all non-US financial institutions to search through their customer databases to identify those customers suspected of being US citizens and to disclose the account holders' names, addresses, and the transactions of most types of account. It requires foreign financial institutions to require all foreign account holders (not just US citizens) to certify their foreign status. In 2014, The Economist called FATCA's "extraterritoriality stunning even by Washington's standards." FATCA potentially affects 173,470 people born in the US by chance but many of whom left the country as small children and have since been resident in the UK and are UK citizens. Following FATCA's passage, many such "accidental Americans" suffered closure of their bank accounts: a 2014 survey of US citizens in other countries by Democrats Abroad found that 12.7% of respondents had been denied financial services by their banks, making it harder for accidental Americans to live and work in their countries of residence. Accidental Americans often no owe US income tax, but must spend thousands of dollars in accounting fees to prove that fact, and face potential fines of tens of thousands of dollars for paperwork errors. Those who have spent their lives planning for their retirement without considering the US tax consequences of the non-US financial instruments they hold may find that US taxation wipes out most of their returns on investments. UK residents suspected to be US citizens are separated out at their financial institutions for differential treatment, based upon their place of birth and nationality. Discrimination according to national origin is prohibited in most countries and by the European Convention on Human Rights. American Citizens Abroad, a not-for-profit organization representing the interests of the millions of Americans residing outside the United States, points out that FATCA's problem is citizenship-based taxation. The United States and Eritrea are the only countries in the world which impose taxation and reporting requirements on citizens living abroad permanently. The Guardian reports that Americans living abroad feel financially terrorized by FATCA requirements. According to research by Democrats Abroad: "These survey results show the intense impact FATCA is having on overseas Americans. Their financial accounts are being closed, their relationships with their non-American spouses are under strain, some Americans are being denied promotion or partnership in business because of FATCA reporting requirements and some are planning or contemplating renouncing their US citizenship”. The US will not allow accidental Americans to renounce citizenship until they have filed five years’ of tax returns. Due to the rise in applications, the fee for renouncing citizenship was raised by roughly 400 percent in 2015 to $2,350. According to a recent piece in The Economist, a UK resident who was born in America but moved to Britain as a child, “recently received a huge bill from the IRS [the US Internal Revenue Service], out of the blue, for many years of unfiled taxes. He had not realised that he owed anything; he had always paid taxes promptly in Britain. The IRS was so aggressive that he feared he might lose his technology business; he even discussed divorce with his wife as a way to shield their assets. In the end, he settled for a six-figure sum.” In 2014, the UK Government entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement whereby financial institutions in the UK report information about US accounts to HMRC. HMRC then provides the information to the US. The UK government has estimated that the cost to British businesses will be £1.1 billion to £2 billion for the first five years, in order to locate the US citizens. HMRC estimates its own one-off IT and staff project costs at approximately £5m, with ongoing annual costs of £1.4m from this year. FATCA’s effects on UK citizens who by accident of birth are deemed American means that the UK Government’s cooperation with FATCA must end. The relationship between the British state and its citizens is founded on an implicit contract whereby, in exchange for obedience to the law and performance of their civic duties, citizens have a right to the state’s protection.155 of 200 SignaturesCreated by Jim Newell
-
Teacher's excessive workloadThis has got to stop. It has been going on long enough. Teachers pay has barely increased in the last 8 years. There is no respect for the profession. We are constantly scrutinised, questioned, observed and criticised. The ones losing out are the children as tired, stressed teachers cannot teach to their potential and have no energy to plan and deliver "outstanding" lessons. Let's get together and make a change that is desperately needed.9 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Sue Wiles
-
Get The Age For Minimum Wage LoweredIt is important to us because we want younger people to be able to hace access to more jobs at a younger age.1 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Jayden Marshall-Lane
-
Reduce City Pavement PolutionIt horrifies me to see diesel fumes being discharged into the faces of our youngest children in their buggies or toddlers walking with their parents, let alone at pavement level for adults to breath. If they were directed upwards to the highest level of the vehicle, it could make a significant improvement. It would not be difficult to extend the exhaust pipes of vehicles up the back of the vehicle; The older the vehicle, the more important to make this modification.1 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Roger Martin
-
Save Alice ParkAlice Park has very special qualities that are enjoyed by many generations. We recognise that improvement is required and support inclusive developments such as: Installation of an all weather perimeter track. Upgrading of children's play area. Renovation of the tennis courts with one being converted into a multi-sport court for basketball, netball and badminton. Creation of an adventure/wild play area. Installation of an outdoor gym. Repair and maintenance of existing facilities. Restoring and refreshing of flower beds, ponds and gardens.180 of 200 SignaturesCreated by Anna Caron
-
ARTISTS 4 SYRIABring an end to the inhumane suffering of children and the denial of their basic rights to life . In the name of humanity and decency this conflict must cease and a political solution must be found. If you want to get involved go to http://wwwkatiefitzgeralds.moonfruit.com/artists-4-syria157 of 200 SignaturesCreated by Ian Marrey
-
End The Exotic Pet Trade in Wales.Animals such as monkeys, meerkats, reptiles and turtles are wild animals who belong in their natural habitat, not in cages and glass tanks in somebody’s home. Over 1000 species of mammals, birds, invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians and fish are bred and captured for the exotic pet trade, and it is our argument that the complex social, physical and behavioural needs of these animals cannot be met other than in their natural habitats. Furthermore, there is strong evidence linking the trade in exotic animals with habitat destruction and the extinction of species in the wild. In tandem with the suffering of such animals in transit - including many documented deaths - young animals can grow into dangerous adults which can become unmanageable in domestic environments not conducive to satisfying their welfare needs for increased space and food. As mentioned in the petition above, a similar campaign was launched in Scotland by the charity One Kind to great effect. With the backing of RSPCA, PDSA, Animal Welfare Party, Captured Animals Protection Society, Four Paws, Wild Futures, Born Free Foundation, plus a host of other significant organizations, the Scottish campaign instigated a review of Scottish Government policy, with the debate centering on the introduction of a Positive List System, which would permit for the keeping of an exotic pet only if its suitability to life in private ownership were incontrovertibly assessed by such a system using clear, transparent and evidence based criteria collated on species conservation, the dangers of invasive disease, ease of good husbandry - including proof of appropriate knowledge of needs and care - and the clear availability of care guidelines, and enforcement measures. In order to ascertain the exact number of licenses issued by local authorities in Wales I contacted all 22 councils. At the time of this petition's submission I have received replies from exactly half of these, making the number of licenses issued by local authorities to exotic pet shops so far 68. This number, of course, does not include internet sites, whether separate to or part of the pet shops mentioned. Thus, it is clear that thousands of exotic animals are being traded in Wales. The welfare of such animals is a matter for public concern, and I believe a debate should take place about the propriety of such a trade in Wales. Fundamental to any overview must be the suitability of wild reptiles and large birds to lives as exotic pets, and the regulating of standards for their care, with the ultimate objective of ending the trade in such species altogether. Please help us to end this vile trade in Wales by signing this petition. It doesn't matter where you are, your signature will help show the Government of Wales the strength of feeling against the capture, importation, breeding, and sale of wild animals in Wales.180 of 200 SignaturesCreated by David Sedley
-
Outrageous-Westminster reverses Fracking refusalThe Government should not interfere, alter, or ride roughshod over the duly elected officials who are there by the people's will.16 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Jk Deeney
-
Save Bury NHS walk-in centresThe walk in medical centres in Bury and Prestwich are under threat. A consultation is underway to look into whether or not they should be closed. We're asking the government to provide Bury with enough money to keep the centres open. If enough of us sign the petition to keep them open, health minister Jeremy Hunt might just have to listen. 67,752 of us use the centres every year, and closing them would put a real strain on other local services, like the A&E department. They alleviate A&E workload and serve the community well.1,503 of 2,000 SignaturesCreated by Jay Millington
-
SAVE OUR LOLLIPOP MANThis road needs a Lollipop Man as there are 3 schools and 1 nursery that use this road that is a lot of children who need protecting as it is a dangerous road37 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Danny Baker
-
Save the school crossing patrols in Bristol.Bristol City Council are thinking about cutting 80 school crossing patrols across Bristol. Worse still, it could mean children all over Bristol will be in danger when they walk to school. Bristol's lollipop men and women get up first thing in the morning to go out in the freezing conditions and help and protect Bristol's children. They do a vital job for our city and this must continue. The council are currently running a consultation on this so we have a real chance to tell them how much school patrols matter to us.2,015 of 3,000 SignaturesCreated by Kevin Lee
-
Protect the rights of vulnerable children and care leaversParts of the Children and Social Work Bill allowed councils in England to be excused from their legal duties to provide for and protect vulnerable children and young people for up to six years. These protections have built up over 80 years and include many key laws passed by Parliament. They give vital rights to children living in their own families, including disabled children and young carers; children living in foster care, children’s homes, residential schools and custody; and young people leaving care. On 8 November, the House of Lords voted to remove these parts of the Bill (the Government was defeated by 245 votes to 213). Our petition was mentioned twice in the debate. The Government then tabled amendments and used its majority in the House of Commons Committee to reinstate the clauses on 10 January. The Committee had issued a call for evidence in December. 47 organisations and individuals submitted evidence; only one supported the clauses (44 opposed and 2 more expressed concern). Seven parts of two Acts of Parliament were saved from opt-out in January (the Government selected these as 'core legal duties'). However, this leaves at risk every other legal protection for vulnerable children and young people. The Government says the exemption clauses will encourage innovation, but we fear the loss of essential services and support for children and care leavers by cash-strapped councils. There has been no public consultation and no evidence produced by the Government to support its plan to offer up for abolition virtually every legal duty made for vulnerable children and care leavers since 1933.109,003 of 200,000 SignaturesCreated by Carolyne Willow
Hello! We use cookies to improve your experience by providing insights into how the site is being used. Find out more.