Scotland and Wales Reviews launched

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) today invited staff and unions to comment on proposals for reorganising its office accommodation in urban centres within Scotland and Wales.

The reorganisation of office accommodation arises in part from the integration of the former Inland Revenue and HM 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.

Scotland: the consultation covers the urban centres of Edinburgh and Glasgow and envisages accommodating staff in 14 buildings rather than the current 25. Initial planning suggests that by 2010, the number of HMRC jobs in these centres is likely to reduce from 9,500 to around 8,700 as a result of efficiency programmes.

• Estate proposals in Scotland

Wales: the consultation covers the urban centres of Cardiff and Swansea and envisages accommodating staff in two buildings rather than the current seven. Initial planning suggests that by 2010, the number of HMRC jobs in these centres is likely to reduce from 3,700 to around 3,300 as a result of efficiency programmes.

• Estate proposals in Wales

Consultation begins today with a range of HMRC stakeholders including staff, trade unions, local authorities, MPs and other elected representatives. HMRC businesses are engaging with representatives of large customer groups, covering both commercial and community interests.