Written question asked by Angus Robertson (Scottish National Party) on Monday, 18 January 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 20 January 2010. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Monday, 25 January 2010 on behalf of the Treasury.

Revenue and Customs: Elgin

Question: (2) what assessment has been made of the effect that the closure of the HM Revenue and Customs office in Elgin will have on the provision of face-to-face advice for clients; how far the nearest HM Revenue and Customs enquiry centre providing face-to-face advice for clients will be from Elgin following that closure; and what the estimated disposal costs are following the closure of the HM Revenue and Customs offices in Elgin.

Answer: Staff at the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) office at Phoenix House, Elgin, were invited to give their views on the proposal to vacate the office during an eight week period from 11 June to 6 August 2008.Following the announcement on 4 December 2008 that HMRC would withdraw from Phoenix House, Elgin managers have held one-to-one meetings with staff to discuss their options, taking account of individual personal circumstances. A regional implementation team was set up to explore redeployment options and find suitable opportunities within HMRC and in other Government Departments and agencies. Seminars for all affected staff are being held, and further support is being planned for those staff who want to continue their civil service careers.Face to face advice services are not provided from HMRC's office at Phoenix House, Elgin. Inquiry centre services will be maintained at Buckie, which is approximately 13 miles from Elgin.HMRC occupies Phoenix House under contract with its estates provider, Mapeley, and this contract includes a high level of flexibility for HMRC to vacate properties at nil or limited cost during the life of the contract. HMRC intends to maximise the use of the contract's flexibility and until vacation plans for Phoenix House are finalised, it is not known whether disposal costs will be applicable.

Secondary information