The Treasury’s objectives for this call for evidence are to seek views, gather evidence on the current usage of these all-employee schemes, and determine whether they are effective in achieving their stated policy objectives. The purpose of this is to consider whether there are options for improving and simplifying the schemes.  

In particular, the government is seeking views on:  

• the effectiveness and suitability of the schemes and whether they are fulfilling their policy objectives; 
• current usage and participation, and whether there are barriers to participating in the schemes; 
• whether the schemes’ rules are simple and clear, as well as whether they offer enough flexibility to meet the needs of individual businesses; 
• whether the schemes suitably incentivise share ownership for lower income earners; and 
• what other performance incentives businesses offer their employees and how these compare with SAYE and SIP.  

The call for evidence follows a commitment made at Spring Budget 2023. 

If you would like to contribute to ICAEW’s response, please contact Peter Bickley.