Cycle to work scheme dishonesty

[IDB1]

All schemes and incentives are open to abuse to a greater or lesser degree . .if I were in a position to take advantage of this scheme I most certainly would.. irrespective of how many bikes in my herd or which of those I used for work....
But if I didn't cycle to work at least a reasonable amount, I wouldn't.

Unfortunately, the level of abuse can sometimes lead to the withdrawal of the scheme..

 

[brocklanders023]

If they really only expected people to ride to work then surely they'd actually make an effort to check up on what people were using the bikes for?

I know for a fact that none of the managers where I work have either been told to check up or have the slightest interest in doing so. I think the scheme's even had it's name chanced with the 'to work' part taken out. :?

 

[kaiser]

My personal view is that items like bikes should not be taxed if we want to push a more sustainable transport system, if it is used once to replace a car journey it has made a difference, whether it is to work or even just for fun. ...this should be especially the case with kids bikes (perhaps with a minimum quality qualifier ).

I like this idea and moreso for helmets and protective equipment.

 

[kaiser]

In sayin that the bleedin tories have conived their way into power, we'll soon have a bike tax. And lets say pilot the scheme in Scotland :twisted:

 

[Easy_Rider]

If they really only expected people to ride to work then surely they'd actually make an effort to check up on what people were using the bikes for?

I know for a fact that none of the managers where I work have either been told to check up or have the slightest interest in doing so. I think the scheme's even had it's name chanced with the 'to work' part taken out. :?

I don't know whether it could potentially be seen as tax avoidance by HMRC, but it's certainly dishonest enough for an Accountant to be struck off!

And what is the difference between someone dishonestly claiming on these schemes to an MP dishonestly claiming expenses, sure they were entitled to a lot of the money but people got angry that they took more or broke the spirit of the expenses, what is the difference between that and people claiming dishonestly with this or other schemes?

Why should the government (we) employ more people and spend more money to stop people doing it though? To check up on it will probably cost more. But if it's not being promoted properly then that can't be good either.

Interesting hearing peoples view though

 

[brocklanders023]

I can see your point but don't see how it makes much difference to the tax pot as don't you save the money from the bike itself? If the person with the bike would not have got one without the scheme the tax would not have been paid anyway :?

Still think that if it gets more people to exercise then it can't be a bad thing and don't think it's quite in the same league as MP's expenses.

 

[Easy_Rider]

I can see your point but don't see how it makes much difference to the tax pot as don't you save the money from the bike itself? If the person with the bike would not have got one without the scheme the tax would not have been paid anyway :?

Still think that if it gets more people to exercise then it can't be a bad thing and don't think it's quite in the same league as MP's expenses.

In my mind it doesn't make a difference if it's a 1p or a £1,000 it's the spirit of how it's claimed. For someone to knowingly wrongfully claim on this or other schemes then it's dishonest, monetary value doesn't play a part.

 

[brocklanders023]

Fair enough.

 

[makster]

If I could do it through my work then I'd be all over it. I never cycle to work (bit hard with a trolley full of tools!) but I wouldn't have a single twinge of guilt.
We live in a country that pisses our hard earned money down the drain on pointless wars, a government full of thieves and on housing and feeding any tom dick or harry that manages to blag their way in, so I for one would grab anything back that I can.
It may not be 'right' but I for one wouldn't give a toss!

 

[kaiser]

E_R I'm with you on this one, can I ask though do you think there should be a limit on the spend My BTW is up to £3000, I've had a few fantasy builds that I would use for work sometimes (I had a bike I'd use for summer and now have a more robust wintery type bike in mind) but they would deinately be used elsewhere too.