HC Deb 10 May 1993 vol 224 cc325-6W
Sir Roger Moate

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received about the closure of the Inland Revenue offices in Sittingbourne, Kent; what will be the cost of providing the service elsewhere, including location costs; and what is the financial saving on a year to year basis.

Mr. Dorrell

Ten representations expressing concern at the planned closure of the tax office in Sittingbourne, Kent have been received. The costs of providing the service elsewhere and the financial savings cannot be separately identified since the closure of the Sittingbourne office is a part of a larger reorganisation involving offices in Maidstone, Kent.

Sir Roger Moate

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many local tax offices have been closed, or are planned to be closed, in 1992–93 and 1993–94, or any convenient period for which he has information; and what are the estimated savings arising nationally.

Mr. Dorrell

The Inland Revenue is engaged in a long-term programme to restructure its 766 local offices in order to improve taxpayer services, operational effectiveness, and cost efficiency. By March 1994,15 reorganisation schemes involving 71 existing offices will have taken place. Of these, 61 offices will cease to exist in their present form. The work carried out in those offices together with part of the work in 10 other offices will have been transferred to 31 newly created Revenue offices. Savings arising from the rationalisation of local office accommodation in these 15 schemes are expected to be of the order of £1.25 million a year in 1993–94 prices.

Sir Roger Moate

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent the Inland Revenue takes into account the provisions of the citizens charter when contemplating the closure of local tax offices, with particular regard to the question of customer access for advice and help from officials.

Mr. Dorrell

The Inland Revenue is fully committed to achieving further improvements in taxpayer service, operational effectiveness and in cost efficiency. In locations where tax offices may be closed, the Department is investigating alternative ways of meeting taxpayers' needs. These objectives are in line with those of the citizens charter.

Sir Roger Moate

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what process of consultation is followed when the Inland Revenue plan the closure of a local tax office; and what account is taken of representations from accountants, local companies and individual taxpayers.

Mr. Dorrell

The Inland Revenue has begun a long-term programme to restructure its local offices in order to improve taxpayer service, operational effectiveness, and cost efficiency. The results of major surveys to establish taxpayer and employer needs are informing this programme. Representations from accountants, companies, and taxpayers are considered, but it is not normally possible to carry out detailed advance consultation. Discussions with staff take place on the implications for them of a closure, and the arrangements necessary.

Mr. Roger Evans

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the policy of the Inland Revenue in respect of providing local offices at which taxpayers may have their affairs dealt with and may raise queries personally with the official dealing with their case.

Mr. Dorrell

The Inland Revenue has begun a long-term programme to restructure its local offices in order to improve taxpayer service, operational effectiveness and cost efficiency. The results of major surveys to establish taxpayer and employer needs are informing this programme. In some locations offices may be closed but where that happens the Department is investigating alternative ways of meeting taxpayers' needs.