HMRC issues performance apology

Date: 1st August 2011

The department has promised to deliver an improved performance in its handling of the country's tax system after drawing criticism from MPs.

HMRC chairman Mike Clasper admitted that for large periods of 2010, the department was not running smoothly, admitting "we were simply overwhelmed for a period of time".

It comes after the Treasury select committee warned that dissatisfaction with the services provided by HMRC could lead to a dip in public confidence in the tax system.

Mr Clasper commented: "In 2011 we've been working very very hard to improve things. We're handling the calls immediately much more frequently than we did in 2010 and as far as individual customers are concerned you know the post levels have dropped in half.

"That's not where we want to be but it's a lot better than where we were in 2010."

Posted by Jacob Williams