North East Regional Review launched

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) today (Thursday 29 March 2007) invited staff and unions to comment on proposals for reorganising its office accommodation in urban centres within the North East region.

The reorganisation of office accommodation arises in part from the integration of the former Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise, which has led to HMRC having more space than it needs.

All Enquiry Centres will remain open in their current localities as will other sites serving a specific local purpose.

North East: the consultation covers the urban centres of Newcastle/Sunderland/Washington and Middlesbrough/Stockton and envisages accommodating staff in eight buildings rather than the current 23.

Initial planning suggests that by 2010, the number of HMRC jobs in these centres is likely to reduce from 14,000 to 12,200 as a result of efficiency programmes.

Our staff and trade unions are invited to contribute to a two-month consultation for their region, beginning 29 March 2007. In addition we have written to all relevant local authorities, asking for their views on the proposals.