§ Matthew TaylorTo ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place the data on(a) outputs and (b) resources underlying the outcome target for tax processing work as reported in the Inland Revenue Annual Report (Cm5428) in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [78413]
§ Dawn PrimaroloProductivity on tax processing work in 2001–02 showed an increase of almost 1 per cent. over the previous year. The Inland Revenue's Public Service Agreement for 2001–04 set out targets for improvements in productivity, over three years. The aim is to achieve, by 31 March 2004, an increase of 7.7 per cent. (cumulative) equivalent to 2.5 per cent. year on year. Initiatives are in place to achieve the step changes in productivity necessary to meet this target. The productivity index for tax processing is calculated by comparing a basket of outputs representative of this work with the staff time spent carrying out the tasks. These include Self Assessment and Corporation Tax returns captured, PAYE end of year returns reconciled and closed and repayment claims processed.