In a major legal clash, Mike Ashley found himself facing substantial challenges against HMRC over personal data access amid a tax dispute.
- The High Court is hearing Mike Ashley’s claims regarding HMRC’s alleged data protection failures and a withdrawn £13.6m tax demand.
- HMRC admitted minor breaches but is accused of extensive data access failures during their inquiry into Ashley’s tax matters.
- Ashley initiated legal proceedings after waiting 17 months for data disclosure following his September 2022 request.
- The court’s decision on this significant legal matter is expected soon, with HMRC having contested Ashley’s broad interpretation of his data request.
Mike Ashley, the well-known retail magnate, has initiated legal proceedings against HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) due to what he describes as a ‘complete stone wall’ response to his request for personal data. This legal dispute emerged following HMRC’s £13.6 million tax demand, which was eventually withdrawn in October 2022.
In 2012, Ashley sold properties valued at £88.6 million to Sports Direct International. An inquiry by HMRC into Ashley’s tax returns led to this additional tax notice. However, Ashley’s legal team claims significant breaches by HMRC regarding data protection obligations.
The claim revolves around HMRC’s alleged failure to provide personal data connected to their inquiry. Ashley’s barrister, Anya Proops KC, remarked to the High Court that despite extensive data processing by HMRC, Ashley received none until long after his request and subsequent legal action.
HMRC, while acknowledging some lapses in their obligations, argue they have made substantial efforts to rectify these issues since. The legal representative for HMRC, James Cornwell, stated that Ashley’s expansive view of his personal data request was initially unfounded.
A crucial aspect of this case lies in the assertion by Ashley’s team that it took 17 months for HMRC to begin complying with his data request. This extended delay led to accusations of ongoing breaches regarding some of the data and an appeal for a court declaration in Ashley’s favour.
The High Court’s impending decision in Mike Ashley’s legal battle with HMRC over data requests is awaited with keen interest.
