HMRC collected an extra £30m in tax last year as a result of a programme to support voluntary and community sector (VCS) groups which provide help and advice to taxpayers who need support.

During 2012-13, HMRC made £2m available to VCS bodies, including social enterprises, co-operatives and both large and small mutuals. These organisations trained more than 3,500 volunteers to answer people's questions on tax credits, benefits and tax issues. As a result, HMRC collected £30.6m in tax while individuals also took up an additional £29.9m of credits and benefits.

Exchequer Secretary David Gauke said: 'These results show that HMRC's grants to the voluntary sector continue to provide a cost-effective way of ensuring that vulnerable people on low incomes get the help they need with their tax affairs from an independent, trusted source.'