Research and Development (R&D) tax credits were first introduced for small and medium business enterprises in 2000 to encourage scientific and technological innovation within the United Kingdom.

On 30 October 2024, the Government published its highly anticipated Autumn Budget 2024 (the "Budget"). Among measures promised to "fix the foundations of the economy" is the Government's commitment to implement "the most ambitious ever package to close the tax gap," including by "taking stronger action on the most egregious tax fraud" and "enhancing HMRC's powers and sanctions against tax adviser facilitated non-compliance."

https://www.mondaq.com/uk/tax/1540194/hmrc-rd-fraud-arrests-a-new-era-for-tax-enforcement