Tax strategy

This tax strategy is aligned with the three fundamental principles defined in the SUEZ Ethics Charter:

• Compliance with laws and regulations
• Integrity
• Respect for others

 

Board members and employees all have an absolute duty to act in a way that could never cast the slightest doubt on the ethical integrity of SUEZ.

 

Board members recognise that compliance with tax filing and payment obligations is one of their key responsibilities. In common with all aspects of the operation of its business, the oversight of tax is assigned to one Board member, namely the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), whose responsibility it is to appraise Board members of key tax events. This allows all Board members to be adequately engaged in the tax affairs of SUEZ UK and thereby ensure adherence to their responsibilities.

The CFO is ultimately responsible for the management of any tax risk and for ensuring appropriate controls are in place and effective. Internal processes and controls support the tax compliance and transactional obligations of the business.

 

The UK Head of Tax is part of the Finance function that reports to the UK Finance Director and indirectly to the CFO. They are supported by a Tax Department with appropriate professional qualifications and experience commensurate with the responsibilities required for their roles. The key functions of the Tax Department include advising the business on the tax implications of business transactions, monitoring tax-sensitive processes and controls, identifying and mitigating tax risks, and managing the tax reporting and compliance activities. The UK Head of Tax is responsible for the overall relationship with HMRC.

SUEZ UK has a strong commercial focus and as part of its duty to stakeholders will look to maximise value. This will include the utilisation of tax reliefs and allowances in the manner in which was intended by the tax authorities and statute. SUEZ UK does not engage in artificial tax arrangements.

 

Tax advice may be sought from external advisors in respect of material transactions and where there is significant uncertainty or complexity.

The level of tax risk that is considered acceptable within SUEZ UK is continually evaluated and monitored in line with its business objectives. SUEZ UK’s reputation, brand, and corporate and social responsibilities will inform the approach taken in any tax-sensitive transactions.

SUEZ UK has an open and transparent relationship with HMRC, and is proactive in disclosing issues, risks and uncertain tax positions on a timely basis. Where differences of opinion arise, SUEZ UK works constructively with HMRC with a view to obtaining early resolution and certainty.