SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has challenged the British Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury David Gauke in the House of Commons over fears that hundreds of jobs could be lost at HMRC tax offices in Derry, Enniskillen and Newry.
Foyle MP Mark Durkan
There are fears over 70 jobs at Derry tax office on Duncreggan Road could be lost as a result of cutbacks planned by the British Treasury.
Speaking during an adjournment debate on the future of the centres last night, Mr Durkan said: “Foyle House in Derry is also affected by the proposals. Not only are jobs at stake but also the quality of services.
“When other taxation services have moved out of Northern Ireland, not least those involving the administration of tax credits, many people – particularly cross-border workers – have been left with very poor services and chronic problems.
“In the decisions that HMRC is making about its future pattern of business, has any account been taken of the possible changes in the distribution of taxation? The government has recently indicated that there are shifts in relation to Wales, and who knows what is going to happen in Scotland?”
Mr Durkan concluded: “If other choices are being made on some taxation moving to a more devolution-weighted basis, surely having a revenue-collecting infrastructure available in a devolved area is hugely important?”
In response, Mr Gauke said Mr Durkan had made an “interesting point.”
He added: “HMRC is going in the direction of concentration on larger urban offices that have the flexibility to operate. Included in those larger urban offices is Belfast.
“He tempts me to speculate on future policy matters in the devolution of tax, but I want to make it clear that this is not a proposal to withdraw from Northern Ireland. This is a proposal that applies across the United Kingdom, with a move to larger urban centres. That applies in Northern Ireland, as well as elsewhere.”
