Tax strategy
For avoidance of doubt this Tax Strategy applies to SUEZ UK Group Holdings Ltd and the sub-group and entities listed at Appendix 1, collectively referred to as “SUEZ UK”.
The publication of this statement is regarded as complying with Part 2 of Schedule 19 Finance Act 2016 in respect of the year ended 31 December 2021. It was approved by Board members for publication on 13 December 2021.
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 UK Finance Director, 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 UK Finance Director 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. 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.
List of subgroup and entities
- UK sub-group headed by SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK Group Holdings Ltd
- Permanent Establishment of SUEZ Groupe SAS
- United Water UK Ltd
- Degremont Ltd