Service standards are priority, says HMRC chairman

IMPROVING SERVICE STANDARDS will be the priority for HM Revenue & Customs, its chairman has said.

Mike Clasper (pictured) acknowledged that difficulties have existed within the department since the merger between Customs & Excise and the Inland Revenue in 2005. He told an ICAEW council meeting about HMRC's future plans in becoming more efficient, increasing tax revenue and improving the customer experience.

Clasper said: "With the recent agent strategy consultation, there is a huge opportunity to build on the relationship with agents. Speaking to council today enabled me to emphasise this opportunity and I would urge ICAEW members who would like to become involved to come forward and let us see what they are experiencing on a day to day basis with HMRC.

Nick Parker, chair of ICAEW council, said: "Mike Clasper's visit enabled council members to raise concerns that our members are reporting across the country. I would like to thank him for coming and answering these questions, as well as his frankness when discussing HMRC."