This tax strategy has been prepared and published in accordance with paragraph 16 (2), Schedule 19, Finance Act 2016, on behalf of Balfour Beatty plc and all UK tax resident entities in the Balfour Beatty Group. This tax strategy is effective from 1 January 2023 and will remain effective until any amendments are approved by the Board.
Being a responsible taxpayer
Balfour Beatty recognises that paying taxes arising from its activities is an important part of how it supports the communities in which it operates. The Group makes a major contribution to the tax revenues of governments in the numerous territories in which it operates. For example, the Group’s tax contribution extends considerably beyond corporation tax and the collection of substantial amounts of income tax and includes the payment of significant employer social security contributions.
The Group’s tax strategy, approved by the Board, is to sustainably minimise tax cost whilst complying with the law. In doing so, Balfour Beatty ensures it acts in accordance with its cultural framework, which provides a simple and clear view of the purpose, values and behaviours of the Group’s Build to Last strategy. The Group aims to meet all legal requirements, filing all appropriate tax returns and making tax payments accurately and on time. The Group’s tax strategy applies to all territories in which it does business.
Tax governance
Balfour Beatty has clear tax policies, procedures and controls in place which are overseen by the Chief Financial Officer.
A dedicated internal tax team, led by the Group Head of Tax, is responsible for the implementation of the Group’s tax strategy and supporting tax policies. Members of the tax team are highly experienced with appropriate professional qualifications and experience which reflect the responsibilities required for their roles.
Tax risk appetite
The Group manages its tax affairs in a proactive manner that seeks to maximise shareholder value and as such utilises tax incentives or opportunities for obtaining tax efficiencies where appropriate and where they support genuine commercial activity. The Group does not enter into artificial arrangements that lack commercial purpose in order to secure a tax advantage. The aim is to ensure full compliance with all statutory obligations and as a consequence attempt to minimise risk wherever possible.
Balfour Beatty does not tolerate tax evasion or the facilitation of tax evasion. Balfour Beatty applies appropriate procedures and controls which seek to prevent any person acting on its behalf from facilitating tax evasion.
Managing tax risk
There are a number of factors that affect the Group’s tax risk and these arise both internally and externally. Balfour Beatty’s ability to control these factors varies and its internal tax team works to minimise these risks to an acceptable level. For example:
- new and developing tax legislation is monitored and where it is relevant Balfour Beatty participates in consultations issued by the tax authorities. When new or changed legislation is announced, the impact on the Group is assessed and active measures are taken to ensure there are adequate processes in place to comply with any change;
- tax risks in relation to compliance and reporting are managed by meeting regularly with professional advisers, industry groups and the tax authorities to both keep abreast of changes in these areas and to seek information on new systems and software; and
- risk in relation to tax in general is managed by the internal tax team and if a position is uncertain the Group may obtain third-party advice in order to gain clarity or support for a particular stance or approach.
Any tax risks are included in the Group Risk Register as part of Balfour Beatty’s Group-wide approach to risk management.
Interaction with tax authorities
Balfour Beatty’s approach to its tax affairs is supported by an open, honest and positive working relationship with the tax authorities, with regular dialogue. Should any dispute arise with regard to the interpretation and application of tax law, the Group is committed to addressing the matter promptly and resolving it in an open and constructive manner.