eBay boss warns Labour that Healey's planned online VAT crackdown must not 'unfairly' hit small British businesses

Eve Williams, eBay UK's vice-president and general manager, says she has told the Treasury that tight tax thresholds 'actually stop growth'. Chancellor John Healey is reportedly set to make online platforms collect VAT for every seller turning over more than £90,000, wherever they are based. The change could bring in as much as £1 billion, which would help cut business rates for high-street shops.

Some overseas firms reportedly use shell companies to dodge the existing VAT rules.

Williams wants UK sellers to get 'the fairest chance to succeed'.

She also blamed National Insurance thresholds on employees for holding firms back.