HEAD OF HMRC LARGE BUSINESS GROUP ANNOUNCED

29 Sep 2004 12:15 PM

David Garlick has been appointed as Head of the Large Business Service (LBS) in the new HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). His appointment represents the first step towards creating a new integrated service for the largest businesses which will bring together the existing Custom's Large Business Group, the Inland Revenue's Large Business Office and Energy Group.

Creating LBS is one of the first steps in setting the HMRC agenda offering the largest companies a much improved customer service and the opportunity to deal with only one taxation Department. This will reduce costs whilst at the same time improving compliance.

David Garlick said: "I relish the opportunity to bring together all the services that both departments offer large businesses. This will offer greater convenience and a single point of contact on taxation issues for the largest companies in the UK ".

Notes for editors

1. David joined HM Customs and Excise in 1968. He has held many different roles in Customs, Excise and VAT, including work in HQ London in Finance and Planning and in charge of our International Assistance Programme. In this latter role he oversaw consultancy and training programmes on a worldwide basis which followed earlier long-term overseas secondments to the Government of Vanuatu in the South Pacific and in the Caribbean Region for the United Nations. He was awarded an OBE for his International work.

Latterly he was Regional Head for Regional Business Services covering Central England before moving back to London in 2002 on promotion to Director Large Business Group. In Jan 2003 he was appointed Director of both Large Business Group and Information and e Services. In Oct 2003, he took over his current role as Director Large Business Group and with portfolio responsibilities for Business Change and Knowledge.

David is married with 3 children. Hobbies include playing golf and supporting Newcastle United.

2. Customs' Large Business Group (LBG) is responsible for all compliance management and audit activity for Customs, Excise and VAT in 1000 of the UK's largest businesses. LBG is also responsible for managing all of the asscociated businesses, subsidiaries or branches of these businesses. This includes Excise or International Trade associates of VAT businesses and the VAT associates of Excise or International Trade large businesses.

3. The Inland Revenue's Large Business Office (LBO) deals with the tax affairs of the country's 915 biggest companies and employers including corporate entities. They are responsible for policing nearly 3000 of the UK's largest commercial and public sector employers (approximately two thirds of the UK workforce) to ensure they meet their responsibilities for PAYE, National Insurance Contributions, the Construction Industry Scheme, Tax Credits, Statutory Sick Pay and Maternity Pay Schemes and Collection of Student Loans.

4. The Chancellor announced the creation of HM Customs and Revenue (HMRC) in Budget 2004, following the recommendations of the O'Donnell review of tax administration, "Financing Britain's Future" (available at www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/odonnell). HMRC will integrate the activities of HM Customs and Excise and Inland Revenue; its role will encompass the collection of taxes, payment of tax credits and border control.

5. The Government will be legislating to establish HMRC as soon as parliamentary time allows. Pending legislation, David Garlick will be Head of the HMCE Large Business Group and the Inland Revenue large Business Office and Energy Group.

Any business needing help or advice can speak to the Customs and Excise National Advice Service 8am - 8pm Monday to Friday on 0845 010 9000
www.hmce.gov.uk