HMRC’s response on SA helpline seasonal closure is disappointing, says Treasury committee

The lack of detail and transparency displayed by the leadership of HMRC in its response to the Treasury Committee’s questions on the summer closure of the self-assessment (SA) helpline was disappointing said Harriett Baldwin chair of the committee. ‘There is clearly a lack of clarity over the impact this decision will have on taxpayers. This simply isn’t good enough ’ she added.

Ms Baldwin concluded: ‘These decisions should not be taken in haste and with no consultation and as a committee we will be keeping a close eye on developments in this area.’

In her letter to the committee HMRC deputy chief executive Angela MacDonald confirmed that HMRC did not consult external organisations before the announcement about the SA helpline closure. She said: ‘We have been clear on our long-term direction of greater use of digital and self-service channels and...