Temporary impact on NISPI's Service - June 2009

NISPI News – Urgent Newsflash

The introduction of the new PAYE Service from the beginning of July will affect HMRC’s National Insurance computer system for a short period from 19 – 28 June 2009 while we move our PAYE taxpayer arrangements from the existing processes to the new service.

During this time, HMRC National Insurance Contributions Office will still be able to provide general advice and guidance regarding contracting out issues, but may be unable to answer specific questions regarding individual National Insurance records.

In preparation for the introduction of the new arrangements, National Insurance Services to the Pensions Industry (NISPI) area has been carefully considering all elements of their work that will be affected in an effort to minimise the impacts of any system interruption. Some of the plans that have been put in place include:

  • Bringing forward the monthly Age Related Rebate payment run by one week so that pension providers will receive any amounts due slightly early.
  • Prioritising resources to target and clear work that has the potential to be most affected by the service being unavailable for a short period.
  • Identifying cases that can be processed during that period to maintain customer service.
  • Clearly identifying the level of service that can be provided over the telephone so that enquirers can be assisted as much as possible.

In addition to the above, and if time permits, full advantage will be taken to upskill our staff through additional technical training on issues such as Shared Workspace and related topics. This will have longer term benefits for our customers.

May we also advise you that during this period (June 19 – June 28), the Contracted-out Pension Helpline may be able to answer your general questions, but they will be unable to answer specific questions regarding individual National Insurance records.

Please contact either Paul Malcolm (0191 2253882) or Lynn Ibbetson (0191 2250267) if you have any queries or require further information.

John Gibbons
NISPI Business Manager