HMRC Failing To Meet More Than Half Its Objectives - Cable

1.54.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 18th May 2007

The Government today published a report showing that HM Revenue & Customs failed to meet more than half of its objectives. The report says that HMRC failed to make enough progress on six out of 10 objectives it set itself.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor, Vincent Cable MP said:

"This reports highlights massive failings within HM Revenue & Customs.

"Many of these failings look like they are the result of the Chancellor's decision to reduce headcount at the department, whilst simultaneously making the UK tax system even more complicated.

"It is shocking that the Chancellor's own department is meeting less than half of its own objectives.

"Whoever is next into Number 11 must make the tax system simpler, fairer and greener."

Notes to Editors

The six objectives which it failed to meet are:

1. By 2007-08, reduce the scale of VAT losses to no more than 11% of the theoretical liability.

2. By 2007-08, increase the percentage of Self Assessment returns filed on time to at least 93%.

3. Respond accurately and completely to requests for advice.

4. Provide simple processes that enable individuals and businesses to meet their responsibilities and claim their entitlements easily and at minimum cost.

5. Deal effectively and appropriately with information provided, so that levels of contact are kept to a minimum.

6. By 2007-08 to improve our capability to intervene at the frontier.

The full report is available at: HMRC Spring 2007 Departmental Report (PDF 870K)