Timms defends HMRC efficiency drive

Stephen Timms MP has backed the changes which form part of the HM Revenue and Customs' operational efficiency programme (OEP), including staff cuts and office closures.

The financial secretary to the Treasury made the comments in an address to a treasury sub-committee meeting last week.

He said HMRC has reduced its overall staffing beyond targets set as part of the OEP. The target up until March 08 was 12,500 and the department achieved a 15,000 headcount reduction.

Responding to suggestions by the committee this had contributed to recent findings of a staff morale survey, Timms conceded there is more to be done.

'The people survey published in May shows a poor position as far as morale is concerned, but with some signs of encouragement. Overall it was a disappointing outcome and HMRC recognises there's a lot to do to improve morale.

'There's been a lot of uncertainty around office closures...there's a good deal of work to be done. HMRC is focusing the attention that's needed on this,' he said.

Timms also said staffing and value for money targets set as part of the programme has not 'got harder as a result of the downturn, but the importance of it has gone up and more demanding targets have been set.

Further Reading:

Timms outlines tax negotiating agenda

Revenue efficiency drive blamed for rebate delays