The APPG Committee held its second meeting in relation to the Ark case on Thursday 8 January. The meeting was chaired by Lead Victim Representative Sue Flood and Committee Co-Chair Carly Barnes-Short.

The Committee was joined by four officials from the offices of James McMurdock MP and [add names of other MPs here]. MPs’ offices were briefed on the latest developments in the case, including the expected issue of tax bills to Ark victims in January and growing concerns about victim welfare.

Attendees heard directly from individuals with lived experience, as well as from expert and victim advocate Jeremy Cornford. Victim Welfare Representative Nurse Jim Goldsmith outlined her ongoing and serious concerns regarding the deteriorating wellbeing of victims affected by the case.

The meeting explored potential actions, including calls for a pause to enforcement, an independent review, and the possibility of a settlement opportunity. Reference was made to the recent government Loan Charge review led by Ray McCann, which resulted in a settlement option for loan charge contractors. It was noted that victims of investment and pension fraud believe they deserve at least parity.

MPs’ offices in attendance agreed to write to HMRC and the Treasury and to raise questions in Parliament. Further discussions included a potential public petition, a parliamentary debate, and the development of a Committee report outlining the scale, breadth, and impact of the issue, and the wider case for reform.

The minutes of the meeting are available to download below.