A challenge to the Chancellor

I fully endorse the views expressed by Philip Fisher in his article A challenge to the Chancellor.

I spent 38 years in the Inland Revenue and have practised as a tax consultant for 15 years. I have in those later years been astounded by a ‘business’ that sheds staff capable of producing an income ten times their cost.

It is economic stupidity on a grand scale with the short-sighted political ‘target’ of cutting the cost of the public sector regardless of cost effectiveness.

I believe in the case for retention and training. It should start with a review of the inadequately trained staff to whom compliance work has been delegated.

I frequently have to deal with staff who do not fully understand some very basic principles and lack the authority to make obvious decisions or to use their discretion.

I would like to see enquiries returned to being...