§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many tax offices(a) have been closed in 1995–96 and (b) will be closed in 1996–97; if he will list such offices; and if he will make a statement. [29663]
§ Mr. JackThe Inland Revenue is engaged in a programme to reorganise the structure of all local tax and collection offices to ensure that the right operational framework is in place to deliver its future business objectives.
569WSeventy-three tax offices and 22 collection offices were reorganised and merged in 1995–96 to form 38 new-style offices. Most of the mergers involve offices in London or the same provincial city or town. Outside those locations to tax offices in Guildford, Havant, Rotherham and Poole were closed during 1995–96 and merged with new-style offices created in a nearby city or town.
On the basis of the present approved programme, 67 tax offices and 17 collection offices will be reorganised and merged in 1996–97 to form a further 38 new-style offices. The programme includes closure of the tax offices in Bexhill, Bexleyheath, Bognor Regis, Dartford, Ely, Greenwich, Neath and Solihull during 1996–97.