AA MINORITY REPORT 2017 (revised)

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Friday, 19 June 2015

Conference questions not quite up to par! (contd)


39. 
Would the Fellowship discuss, share experience and make recommendations on whether, given recent negative publicity surrounding corporate tax avoidance and the use of tax havens, allowing the Board's investment managers to place A.A. reserves in various funds ultimately controlled from Luxembourg risks the fellowship being drawn into public controversy?

Background

Tradition 10 
Report of the Trustees and Financial Statements for the year ended 30 September 2013

The short form of tradition 10 suggests that ' ... the A.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy'.

The Report of the Trustees and Financial Statements for the year ended 30 September 2013 discloses, at note 14, the following investments valued at over 5% of the total invested :

'Global Select Corporate Bond XXVIII (market value £172,352)

Global Select Total Return Bond XU (market value £43,981),

Bluebay Investment Grade Bond Fund Lux Listing (market value £89,894)

Global Brands F I Morgan Stanley (UK) (market value £86,271)

Global Select SICAV Sol Glob EQ L(A) (market value £96,510)'

These funds are listed in Luxembourg, a low tax regime.

My intention behind asking this question is to address what I see as a very real threat to AA's noncontroversial stance. I strongly believe our reserves should be held in UK listed investments, in a mix of risk‐free Government bonds and ethical investments. With public opinion as it currently stands, investing in Luxembourg assets is unwise.

Terms of Reference No. 7 Charities are not taxed on their investments.

Comment: Not to mention (but we will) AA's past investments in distilleries and tobacco companies! Not a good idea!

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

PS For AA Minority Report 2013 click here

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