Editorial

Inconsistent Support?

I am a huge fan of the HMRC's Business Payment Support Service. It is an excellent innovation, which has helped to alleviate the financial difficulties of a large number of business owners in these harsh economic times. However, I have heard some rather worrying comments lately from tax advisers using the service.

Have you used the service on more than one occasion lately? And if so, did you receive consistent treatment? I have been getting mixed feedback from advisers about the response and attitude of HMRC's Business Payment Support staff. Anecdotal evidence seems to indicate that the majority of staff are very polite and approachable, and will try to help businesses as far as possible in terms of spreading or deferring tax payments.

Unfortunately, I have also received reports that some of the HMRC staff are rather less approachable and understanding. More than one tax adviser I have spoken with has been told: "we liquidate businesses like this". Do we really? In addition, comments like "Cashflow problems is no excuse...every business has cashflow problems" may well be true, but are hardly very helpful or constructive.

As I say, the majority of HMRC staff who operate the service seem to be very fair and non-judgemental. I sincerely hope that the Business Support Service becomes a permanent fixture. However, I also hope that the service is not going to be tarnished by a lack of either consistency or humility by anyone. After all, we are talking about people's livelihoods here.

Best wishes,

Mark McLaughlin

Managing Editor