The Group is a forum through which HMRC and agents & advisers and
other interested parties can:
build on the positive aspects of the existing relationship between HMRC
and agents & advisers; and through this
establish how to realise benefits for taxpayers, agents and HMRC alike
in the administration of the tax system.
The Steering Group will be responsible for the high level governance
of the work and will establish working sub-groups to consider particular
issues. Sub-groups are likely to have different membership to that of the
Steering Group bringing in appropriate expertise depending on the subject
matter.
The Group will have a wide remit and will focus initially on (although
not limited to) the following areas:
improved systems for authorisation and identification of agents and advisers
to enable HMRC to deliver improved services to agents and their clients
to improve recognition within HMRC of agents who perform well (and
improve responsiveness in tackling the minority whose activities undermine
agents’ professional standing).
Service improvement by HMRC and prioritising this.
Development of clearer requirements of taxpayers and agents in fulfilling
tax obligations to increase certainty, reduce burdens and ensure cost effectiveness
for all parties.
Progressing work effectively taking into account the wide range of agents
& advisers and differences in client base, and the need to prioritise
HMRC’s work.
Notwithstanding the above, actions falling to HMRC may be subject to
Ministerial approval.
To ensure that the Group represents the range of views appropriate to
the work schedule there will be a periodic review of its membership.
