The Robin Williamson Grant 2023

The Robin Williamson Grant Fund has been set up thanks to a generous donation to the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) in recognition of the late Robin Williamson’s long service in supporting those on low incomes, who could not afford to pay for advice, with tax and related welfare problems.

The purpose of the grant is to further shine a light on a particular area of taxation (or benefits where there is a tax linkage) which particularly affects those on low incomes, and which needs the attention of policy makers within Government or administrators within HMRC (or DWP). The grant will be administered by the CIOT’s Low Incomes Tax Reform Group team and the work undertaken through the grant will contribute towards LITRG’s mission.

This year, a grant of £2,000 will be offered to fund research in relation to tax and the gig economy. In 2018, some 2.8 million people worked in the gig economy in the previous 12 months. A recent study showed the average hourly wage is only £8.97 – 15% below the minimum wage.

LITRG understand that there is widespread non-compliance with the tax system among gig economy workers for a number of reasons. LITRG are keen to produce more guidance for gig economy workers and to campaign for policy and operational changes for the benefit of those in the gig economy. To help us identify some potential actions and next steps, we would like to have more background information and research to help us focus our resources in the most effective way. 

For more information about the grant, how to apply and detail of the research needed see our grant webpage.

If you have any questions about the grant, please email [email protected].