HMRC could save an estimated 1.7 million hours of call handlers' time every year
if it implemented an automated status tracking system, according to two of the
leading bodies for tax advisers and chartered accountants.
A joint study by the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) and ICAEW tracked
attempts to contact HMRC across phonelines and webchats for six weeks. It found
that more than one-third of contact attempts were made to chase progress on
existing enquiries, rather than to make a new enquiry.
The bodies say that, while improving customer service performance remained
crucial, a significant reduction in the need for agents and taxpayers to contact
HMRC in the first place was vital.
Only 33% of contact attempts to HMRC resulted in the query being fully resolved,
the study found, with the average wait time across phone and webchat standing at
19 minutes.
The introduction of an automated tracking system to eliminate progress chasing
calls could save more than 1.7 million hours each year, the equivalent of 1,000
full-time employees or approximately £36 million, CIOT and ICAEW said.
Additionally, an automated tracking system would reduce the number of staff
needed to answer such calls, who could be redeployed elsewhere.
Ellen Milner, CIOT's Director of Public Policy, said:
'The report's recommendations are practical solutions which can deliver
significant improvements for agents and taxpayers.
'Additionally, from an HMRC perspective, resolving issues with progress
chasing alone has the potential to save them over £36 million a year in
staff costs. This seems a good place to start for releasing funds for much
needed investment in training and digitalisation.'
Internet link: CIOT