HMRC needs to reform its current plan on how to deliver the ongoing 250 projects in its portfolio after the tax authority is expected to add another 50 to its workload due to Brexit, says Bill Dodwell, partner and head of tax policy at Deloitte
The new top team at HMRC took over on 1 January, following the retirement of former executive chairman Sir Edward Troup. The Department, as it is known to those who work there, is now headed by chief executive Jon Thompson, supported by new second permanent secretary and tax assurance commissioner, Jim Harra. David Richardson is acting director general customer service and tax design – Harra’s former role – until a new appointment is made in the summer.
Probably the biggest challenge for HMRC’s leadership is how to manage the 15 major programmes on hand, with an underlying portfolio of 250 projects. The programmes include closure of its national network of over 170 offices and relocation to 13 large regional centres, Making Tax Digital for individuals and businesses, developing the Customs Declaration Service, supporting the introduction of Universal Credit and the tax-free childcare scheme.
