HMRC faced widespread criticism for its decision to close its self-assessment tax helpline from April to September, amid concerns over the impact on taxpayers and public services. The move, described as a 'great shame' and a potential cause for job risks, particularly at Ted Baker, sparked calls for an inquiry into the Loan Charge scandal, with HMRC accused of 'airbrushing' the issue and a 'failure of parliamentary scrutiny'. Criticism came from various quarters, including pensioners concerned about the helpline's summer shutdown and public figures condemning the decision as detrimental to fair taxpayer treatment. Following the backlash, HMRC reversed its decision, citing 'feedback from concerned stakeholders', humorously interpreted as the chancellor reprimanding the HMRC boss.
HMRC reverses decision to close self-assessment phone helpline between April and September, after criticism https://t.co/Tvh0NaUuZV
HMRC boss, u-turning on tax helpline closure, talks of 'feedback from concerned stakeholders'. Translation: the chancellor just bit my backside off.
Pensioners ask if HMRC phone line summer shutdown is some kind of 'sick joke' amid fears millions will be left high and dry https://t.co/7BvnjZW3Ul https://t.co/a2Rzn4D5P9
Appalling that HMRC is doing this while our public services are crumbling. Once again, HMRC is making life more difficult for taxpayers & making it much harder for everyone to pay their fair share. https://t.co/RTJ6MlaWS9
HMRC to close tax helpline for six months a year from April; jobs at risk as Ted Baker ‘prepares to appoint administrators’ – business live https://t.co/93t0geLZNL
HMRC under fire over change 'from April to September' and it's 'great shame' https://t.co/feRrNs9UUu
NEW: Calls for inquiry into Loan Charge scandal after treasury cttee wrote to HMRC requesting more info on tax crackdown. Campaigners say letter was a "tick box exercise" & "failure of parliamentary scrutiny". HMRC accused of "airbrushing the whole mess"👇https://t.co/fcs1TYLV09
HMRC accused of 'airbrushing' Loan Charge scandal amid calls for inquiry ⬇️ Read more https://t.co/5PBzhoSs3H