Tax defaulters named and shamed

The tax authorities have named and shamed 15 individuals and small businesses who have been penalised for deliberately defaulting on tax bills of more than £25,000.

The new list from HMRC, which adds to a collection of 8 names published in February, includes two pubs, a Tandoori takeaway and a kebab shop.

Paymaster Ltd, a labour provider from St Paul's Square, Birmingham, has been fined over a million pounds over a tax bill of nearly two million, while an Essex petrol wholesaler, EU Oil Ltd of Harlow, is named as facing a £719,000 penalty and owing over a million pounds in tax.

James Joseph Farmer, a painter from Belfast, was fined £132,000 on a £222,000 tax bill.

The tax debts relate to the period 2010 to 2012, but HMRC says the money still hasn't been paid.