Chancellor Sajid Javid demands HMRC make No Deal Brexit work ‘absolute top priority’
SAJID Javid is demanding the HMRC make No Deal work their “absolute top priority” in a blistering attack on dithering by the Taxman.
The Chancellor has told HMRC chief John Thompson he expects weekly updates on work to ensure a “smooth exit” on October 31.
It comes as sources brand HMRC the “unruliest” department in Government over their delays in helping business and getting a new customs declaration regime up and running.
Mr Javid writes: “HMRC must make no deal preparation their absolute top priority as the UK prepares to leave the European Union.
“Earlier this year the Treasury provided HMRC with £375m for EU Exit preparations. I am also making available additional funds to asset with no deal preparedness specifically.”
Brexiteers last night the Treasury’s new approach highlighted Philip Hammond’s reluctance to adequately prepare.
One said: “It’s only now becoming clear how much the former Chancellor actively obstructed No Deal preparation.”
TECH BORDER SOLUTIONS
In a stinging letter to Mr Thompson, Sajid Javid instructed HMRC to step up work on hi-tech arrangements for the Irish border.
But he separated told HMRC to deliver “critical” internal systems and staffing to handle the expected surge in customs checks when the UK leaves the EU.
But he also wants the HMRC to do everything it can to support business by pro-actively contacting the tens of thousands of firms expected to be hit by the new checks. And he’s called on HMRC to “upscale” import control systems to handle new safety and security declarations.
The Sun in February revealed HMRC was planning to waive safety and security checks on hauliers coming to Britain amid fears of travel chaos.
Mr Thompson leaves this autumn after receiving death threats over a warning that new hi-tech customs systems could cost business £20 billion in red-tape.
He also warned that any new system could take three to five years to bed in.
An HMRC spokesman last night said: “HMRC has been preparing for Brexit every day since the referendum.
“The department has led hundreds of meetings with industry representatives, hired over 5,000 staff specifically to support Brexit, communicated with thousands of businesses and stakeholders as well as publishing clear guidance on how to prepare.”
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