HMRC closures to include Scottish offices

Planned restructuring of HM revenues and Customs will impact Scotland, as the tax collecting body looks to consolidate its operation in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

HMRC has announced it will close most of its 160 remaining UK offices and move employees to new regional centres. This will likely mean the closure of 18 Scottish offices, including major centres in Dundee, Cumbernauld and East Kilbride, with a loss of over 2,000 jobs.

PCS union, which represents HMRC employees, said a visible, local HMRC presence is essential to maintaining confidence in the tax system, and voiced concern the plans were not being subject to parliamentary scrutiny.

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PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: "No one should be in any doubt that, if implemented, these proposals would be absolutely devastating for HMRC and the people who work there.

“Closing this many offices would pose a significant threat to the operation of HMRC, its service to the public and the working lives of staff, and the need for parliamentary scrutiny of the plans is undeniable and urgent.”

Lin Homer, HMRC’s Chief Executive, said: “The new regional centres in Glasgow and Edinburgh will bring our staff together in more modern and cost-effective buildings in areas with lower rents. They will also make a big contribution to the Scottish economy, providing high-quality, skilled jobs and supporting the Government’s commitment to a national recovery that benefits all parts of the UK.”

Last week MPs warned tax collection may be impeded by poor customer service at the agency, an accusation HMRC denied.