Revenue and Customs: Manpower

Mr. Anthony Wright
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many HM Revenue and Customs offices are currently unstaffed; and what the estimated cost to the public purse is of such offices.

Mr. Timms
HM Revenue and Customs currently holds 12 unstaffed offices which are still part of the estate due to various lease and legal title issues and longstanding commitments with other Government Departments.

The estimated annual cost of these offices is £1,435,512. HMRC is working to cease its liability for these offices as soon as is practical.