14
Accepted
HMRC consistently fails to meet targets for processing high volumes of postal correspondence.
Conclusion
HMRC received 22 million items of correspondence in 2022–23, including physical post and forms and interactive forms.37 Around 70% of correspondence comes in through the post. To process postal correspondence, as well as some electronic correspondence, HMRC must scan or manually enter the information into its systems, or both.38 HMRC has not met an annual performance target for processing correspondence since 2018–19.39 In 2023–24, HMRC cleared 76.3% of correspondence within 15 working days, up from 45.5% in 2021–22 but still below its target of 80%.40 In 2022–23, HMRC spent £68 million on postage and print costs.41
Government Response Summary
HMRC states it has made significant progress in telephony and correspondence service performance during 2024-25, and government funding for 2025-26 will enable it to maintain these service standards.
Government Response
Accepted
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
HMRC has made recent improvements across all its channels and for all types of customers. It has made significant progress in telephony and correspondence service performance during 2024-25. Funding provided by the government for 2025-26 will enable HMRC to maintain service standards on telephony and correspondence.
Source
Committee
Public Accounts Committee
Report
3rd Report - HMRC Customer Service and Accounts
22 Jan 2025
HC 347
Addressee Bodies
HM Treasury
Timeline
Recommendation age
1.5 yrs
Report published
22 Jan 2025