§ Mr. PriskTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many hours' training each Large Business Office caseworker has received in tax compliance performance in each year since 1997. [174939]
§ Dawn PrimaroloThese figures are not available. Large Business Office caseworkers all have a Performance Development Plan according to their personal needs and experience. They receive continuous technical training on a variety of topics through formal courses and in-house awareness seminars. These include specific tax compliance knowledge and skills.
§ Mr. PriskTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which IT software systems have been procured by the Large Business Office since 1997; and how many hours' training each Large Business Office caseworker has had on those systems in each year since 1997. [174940]
§ Dawn PrimaroloThe Large Business Office main IT system to manage case handling was introduced in April 1998. Training in the use of this system is provided by local support on induction to the LBO.
The main desktop support services are provided departmentally. The LBO has one designated officer in each location to support staff familiarisation with these as required.
Data analysis software products, Win Idea and SPACE, were introduced in 2003–04 for Employer Compliance staff. 20 officers are having 18 days training in their full use, to become local experts, and a further 20 in 2003–04 and 2004–05 will receive support training.
1511W
§ Mr. PriskTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the cost has been in each year since 1997 of IT software systems procured by the Large Business Office. [174941]
§ Dawn PrimaroloI refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for North Wiltshire (Mr. Gray) on 12 February 2004,Official Report, columns 1555–56W.
The main support IT, such as standard desktop services, audit tools etc. are provided nationally, and not procured by the LBO. The LBO has its own small budget for minor IT software packages and other incidentals, currently £13,000 per annum.