CONTACTCONTACTThis document, approved by the Board of Directors of London Square Developments (Holdings) Ltd (‘Board’), sets out the tax strategy and approach undertaken by the group of companies headed by London Square Developments (Holdings) Ltd (‘London Square’) in relation to how they conduct their tax affairs in UK and deal with tax risks, and is published in accordance with paragraph 16 (2), Schedule 19 of Finance Act 2016.
London Square is part of the Aldar Properties PJSC and together with its subsidiaries referred to as ‘Aldar Group’. Aldar Group is ultimately responsible for the oversight of London Square’s tax strategy and the supporting governance framework. The Board of London Square is responsible for overseeing the UK tax strategy, which is aligned with Aldar Group’s broader tax strategy.
This document will be reviewed periodically and any amendments will be approved by the Board. It is effective for the period ending 31 December 2024 and will remain effective until any amendments are approved by the Board, but it will be formally reviewed and approved on at least an annual basis.
London Square is committed to conducting its tax affairs in a manner to achieve the following objectives:
London Square’s strategic aims from a tax perspective are to:
London Square aims to maintain a conservative approach to tax and will not engage in artificial transactions where the sole purpose is to reduce the amount of tax payable.
London Square will, however, consider undertaking transactions which gives rise to tax efficiencies providing this is aligned with its commercial activities and complies with the associated tax legislation.
London Square will not engage in tax efficiencies if the underlying commercial objectives do not support the position, or if the arrangements could potentially affect its reputation, brand, corporate and social responsibilities, or future working relationships with HMRC.
The Board sets out the UK tax strategy of London Square in relation to taxation, with overall responsibility for oversight of the tax affairs of London Square delegated to the Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer is also the Senior Accounting Officer for all London Square entities.
The Chief Financial Officer meets with the finance team and other senior managers throughout the year to review the tax risk and controls processes within London Square, as well as to discuss all other aspects of taxation. Furthermore, the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee receives an annual update on the tax position of London Square, including a summary of all HMRC activity in relation to London Square, and will discuss taxation at other meetings periodically throughout the year.
London Square deals with HMRC in an open, honest and transparent manner. London Square responds to all communications from HMRC promptly and aims to avoid unnecessary disputes with HMRC and this will be achieved by seeking pre‐transaction clearances from HMRC where appropriate.
Date published: April 2024
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