To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will reconsider the decision to close HM Revenue and Customs offices Portcullis House and Tyler’s House in Southend-on-Sea; what recent representations he has received about the closures; what response he made to them; if he will place in the Library copies of the representations received; and if he will make a statement. (210611)

Treasury Ministers and officials receive representations from a wide range of organisations in the public and private sectors as part of the process of policy development and delivery. As was the case with previous Administrations, it is not the Government’s practice to provide details of all such representations.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is committed to increasing the efficiency of its operations in the interests of improved customer service and better value for taxpayers. It undertook extensive internal and external consultation, and detailed feasibility work, last year on its proposals for reducing its estate in the Southend urban centre to meet its future business needs in the area. The decision was taken last July that there was no requirement to retain either Portcullis House or Tyler’s House, as all the staff who would be needed in Southend by 2010 could be accommodated in Alexander House, Southend.

The latest staffing projections for Southend, which take account of further developments in business plans, indicate that slightly fewer staff than in 2010 will be needed by 2011. There is therefore no reason to disturb the original decision that Portcullis House and Tyler’s House will be surplus to HMRC’s future business requirements.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had on the closure of HM Revenue and Customs offices Portcullis House and Tyler’s House in Southend-on Sea; and if he will make a statement. (210612)

As the Minister with departmental responsibility for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), I hold regular discussions with HMRC officials about their estate rationalisation plans.