The Rt Hon David Gauke, MP
Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury
HM Treasury
1 Horseguards Road
London
SW1A 2HQ

18th August 2011

Dear David,

I am writing to express concerns about job cuts to HMRC. As you know, I strongly believe that, instead of reducing its capacity, Government should ensure that HMRC has the support it needs to crack down on tax evasion and avoidance, as well as to ensure that the tax system works efficiently and fairly.

In the light of the Treasury Select Committee's report into the ‘Administration and Effectiveness' of HMRC, which was published on the 30th of July and which praises the work of staff but condemns the performance of HMRC, I again urge you to reconsider plans to cut 10,000 jobs at HMRC, on top of the 30,000 that have been lost since 2005.

Specifically, my constituents and I want to see:
• Any plans to close HMRC offices halted and the 50 recommendations made by the Treasury Select Committee fully dealt with
• An immediate and full review of the cuts to HMRC that are outlined in the Comprehensive Spending Review
• Treasury ministers or officials meeting with trade unions, including PCS and ARC, about HMRC and the concerns now highlighted by the Treasury Select Committee report

I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

Caroline Lucas, MP, Brighton Pavilion

Read the Minister's reply (page 1 2)