WIREDGOV

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has announced today that in its drive to deliver a more effective service to local businesses and individuals, eliminate duplication and improve efficiency, it is closing its office at Bede House Gateshead.

HMRC was created in April 2005 following the merger of the former Inland Revenue and HM Customs & Excise, providing the opportunity to create a modern, effective revenue collection and enforcement department.

The new department is committed to delivering better value for money to customers and today's announcement forms part of an ongoing programme to fully integrate the two departments.

The key points surrounding these office changes are:

* HMRC share Bede House with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). DWP are reviewing the building's viability following restructuring of DWP and the Child Support Agency (CSA) in the Gateshead area. In view of this, HMRC Business Units have reviewed their business plans to identify the long term presence required in the locality and are taking the opportunity to vacate Bede House. * HMRC staff will co-locate with colleagues at other HMRC offices in the locality.
* There are no Face to Face services to customers provided at Bede House therefore there will be no impact on customers.
* No jobs are being lost as a result of this move.

Mike Hanson, Director General Corporate Services and Frontiers at HMRC said:
"This move will provide HMRC with the opportunity for a more joined up and improved service to local people and business, and better value for money for the taxpayer.

"HMRC is committed to improving customer experience, supporting business and improving compliance, and today's announcement forms part of a change programme that will see HMRC consolidating our estates and co-locating our staff nationwide."

Notes to Editors

* Bede House, Gateshead currently houses 58 staff, all will move to other HMRC offices nearby.
* There are no Face to Face services to customers provided at Bede House therefore there will be no impact on customers.
* The contact centre telephone services are not dealt with at this location and remain unaffected by any of the changes.
* HMRC was created on 18 April 2005.

Issued by HM Revenue & Customs Media Relations Team

Website: www.hmrc.gov.uk