{"id":788173,"date":"2026-02-25T14:24:18","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T14:24:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/788173\/"},"modified":"2026-02-25T14:24:18","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T14:24:18","slug":"council-convener-banned-from-company-directorship-over-170k-unpaid-tax-bill","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/788173\/","title":{"rendered":"Council convener banned from company directorship over \u00a3170k unpaid tax bill"},"content":{"rendered":"

COUNCIL convener Andrea Manson has been banned from company directorship after a business she was part of went into liquidation while owing over \u00a3170,000 in tax.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The UK Government\u2019s Insolvency Service said that Manson held a \u201cposition of responsibility and respect\u201d, but had failed to ensure her company met its tax obligations.<\/p>\n

Manson was one of two directors of Mid Brae Inn Limited during a four year period in which it did not pay more than \u00a3110,000 in VAT and almost \u00a360,000 in PAYE and National Insurance.<\/p>\n

Council convener Andrea Manson. Photo: Hans J Marter\/Shetland News<\/p>\n

Between 2019 and 2023 just \u00a36,000 was paid to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) \u2013 despite more than \u00a3800,000 being paid into the company\u2019s bank account.<\/p>\n

Shetland North councillor Manson has been disqualified from being a company director for three-and-a-half years, starting today (Wednesday).<\/p>\n

The council convener was not present at today\u2019s full council meeting, which she would ordinarily chair, with budget setting and council tax for the 2026\/27 financial year the main topic of discussion.<\/p>\n

She did not respond to attempts from Shetland News to contact her this morning.<\/p>\n

The UK Government\u2019s Insolvency Service released a statement about Manson in the wake of her disqualification.<\/p>\n

Its chief investigator Neil North said Manson \u201cholds a senior position in local government\u201d and was elected into office by \u201ctaxpayers who will be required to pay council tax and other taxes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a position of responsibility and respect, yet she failed to ensure her company met its own tax obligations, leaving HMRC owed more than \u00a3170,000,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cDirectors have a duty to ensure their companies pay the taxes they owe. This disqualification should serve as a warning that we will take action against those who fail to meet these basic responsibilities.\u201d<\/p>\n

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The Mid Brae Inn. Photo: Shetland News<\/p>\n

Mid Brae Inn Limited failed to make any VAT payments to HMRC between April 2019 and January 2023, despite continuing to trade.<\/p>\n

When the company went into liquidation in May 2023, it owed \u00a3110,675 in VAT and surcharges, and a further \u00a359,227 in unpaid PAYE and National Insurance contributions dating back to 2018\/19.<\/p>\n

Including smaller amounts in corporation tax, the company\u2019s total debt to HMRC was at least \u00a3178,860.<\/p>\n

The Secretary of State for Business and Trade accepted a disqualification undertaking from Manson, and her ban started today.<\/p>\n

It prevents her from being involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court.<\/p>\n

Manson\u2019s co-director at Mid Brae Inn Limited, Catherine Diane Davies, was also disqualified as a company director for three-and-a-half years, with her ban coming into effect in November 2025.<\/p>\n

Shetland Islands Council was also contacted for comment.<\/p>\n

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