In these austere times and the need to be proactive and present a new face, HMRC have piloted a new home visit scheme. The scheme is being marketed for their customers (how touching) rather than taxpayers, who need some extra help. The pilot began in NE England and runs from June 2013 – October 2013. To be fair, HMRC has adopted this approach as part of the extensive closure of over 200 enquiry centres planned for next year. The new helpful service will save us as taxpayers some £13 million per year.
Demand for enquiry
HMRC statistics claim the demand for enquiry centres has dropped by over 50% over the last five years. However, they have not recognised that one reason may be the number of callers who have become exasperated with the constant engaged tone; or once you breakthrough to a person, you are put on hold endlessly before being disconnected. After several such experiences even your most loyal customers (taxpayers) will give up.
HMRC Intrusion?
These HMRC home visits are designed to reduce costs and are probably more a kin to having a bobby in the community. Has anyone at HMRC headquarters considered whether taxpayers and small business owners, the targets for this scheme, want additional intrusion from HMRC, irrespective of its packaging? Or is an attempt to hit government targets from the revenue they cannot recover from UK football clubs and large companies?
HMRC Home Visit Pilot Scheme
The results of the pilot scheme will be most interesting for all parties. However, be warned “we come with good tidings” may be the new message being peddled by HMRC as they descend upon our neigbourhoods.
Marcus Bishop Associates
www.marcus-bishop.com
