I remember suggesting to an Irish friend, during a discussion about travelers in Ireland, that maybe the way forward would be a measure such as that introduced in Italy to combat the black economy, where the Guardia di finanza may require anyone to justify how they have paid for things they own.
We already have that power in the UK, since January this year.
Unexplained Wealth Orders may be issued against anyone suspected of being involved in serious crime, and I believe Tax Evasion is included, as HMRC can issue the order.
Essentially, if the individual is unable to demonstrate how they legitimately came by an asset and is unable to demonstrate they have sufficient income to have purchased it, the asset can be confiscated - and the asset limit is currently £50k.
So if a poor family of travelling folk claim they struggle along on insufficient income to pay any tax, and yet are mysteriously in possession of a brand-new Range Rover or whatever, then acton could be taken.
I'm not holding my breath about whether these powers would actually be applied i these cases, though.
