Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, in the light of the National Audit Office’s critical report on the proposed closure of local tax offices in the North East and the consequent reduction of staff, they will withdraw the planned measure.
Answered on
23 January 2017
The National Audit Office Report recognises that HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) plans for regional centres are integral to its strategic aims to increase tax revenue and to transform the service it provides to customers. HMRC is reviewing timing and costs so while elements of its plans will change, there are no plans to change the strategy.
The Newcastle Regional Centre is scheduled to open at the Longbenton site from 2018-19. HMRC expects to retain Washington as a transitional site until 2024-25.