9(1)If HMRC think it right because of special circumstances, they may reduce the standard amount of the asset-based penalty.
(2)In sub-paragraph (1) “special circumstances” does not include—
(a)ability to pay, or
(b)the fact that a potential loss of revenue from one taxpayer is balanced by a potential over-payment by another.
(3)In sub-paragraph (1) the reference to reducing a penalty includes a reference to—
(a)staying a penalty, and
(b)agreeing a compromise in relation to proceedings for a penalty.