To supplement the information provided by Frustrated Reader (see Correspondence delays), I can advise that self assessment correspondence for many (perhaps all) Northamptonshire taxpayers – sorry, customers – was moved to Llanishen, Cardiff in April/May 2009.
In fact, from the presentation of the return address on paper self assessment tax returns issued, it is clear there has been some Cardiff involvement for a number of years.
Perhaps the Leicester office exists only for the benefit of personal callers and to give the impression to the aforementioned customers (and local press?) that the ‘local’ tax office is indeed serving local people?
No doubt the full picture will emerge in due course.
Peter Arrowsmith FCA, National Insurance consultant