§ Mrs. RocheTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 14 November,Official Report, column 311, in what ways tax inquiry centres and switchboards have been enhanced. [5704]
§ Mr. Jack[holding answer 25 November 1996]Work undertaken, and planned before April 1997, to enhance the service to taxpayers includes
Increased access to the computer system for staff in tax inquiry centres, to enable them to view the tax records of taxpayers who request assistance.The out-reach initiative to take tax to the community, which has been making full use of the mobile advice centres touring the more inaccessible areas, ensuring that taxpayers have access to Revenue staff.A programme of refurbishment of tax inquiry centres which has improved the general ambience of these centres, and provided increased privacy with the introduction of interview rooms.The installation of 43 new switchboardsThe addition of 190 operator consoles to existing switchboards.