The Finance Bill 2018-19 draft legislation was published on 6 July 2018. The Bill which runs to 226 pages (with a further 143 pages of explanatory notes) contains the legislation for many of the tax measures that had previously been announced by the government as well as new initiatives.

The publication of the draft Finance Bill is in line with the approach to tax policy where the government committed to publishing most tax legislation in draft for technical consultation before the legislation is laid before Parliament.

The Bill is open for comment until 31 August 2018 and the draft legislation is subject to change. The final Finance Bill will be published shortly after Budget 2018 which is expected to take place in November this year. The Bill, colloquially known as Finance Bill 2018-19, will become Finance Act 2019 after Royal Assent is received.

Supporting documentation for 33 separate measures have been published. This includes changes to rent-a-room relief, simplification of donor rules for Gift Aid, Corporation Tax reform of loss relief rules, changes to the VAT grouping eligibility requirements and a new points-based penalty regime for certain regular tax filings.

Commenting on the publication of the draft Finance Bill, Mel Stride, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said:

'Britain is one of the best places in the world to do business, and we’re determined to see that continue. This legislation illustrates our commitment to creating an environment in which innovation and enterprise can thrive, while ensuring that everyone plays by the same rules.'