Malicious Calls

The Public Accounts Committee have been told that the HMRC hotline, set up to catch income tax cheats, has been flooded with calls from people making malicious and unfounded allegations.

One woman made 68 calls to report her husband, none of which had led to an investigation.

There have been 120,000 calls the hotline. However, the National Audit Office report that it is was the least cost-effective detection method, with the yield being only twice the cost of operating it.

Dave Hartnett, acting chairman of HM Revenue and Customs, said he was "disappointed by the quality" of calls.

What did he expect?

People will always use nasty little government "sneak lines" like this, to settle scores and vendettas. These "sneak lines" bring out the absolute worst in people, and are the hallmarks of a third world dictatorship.

Tax does have to be taxing.

The New Statesman, Britain's leading political magazine is delighted to announce that HMRC Is Shite has been nominated for a New Media Award in the category of Campaign For Change. The campaign for change award will go to the individual or organisation that has most effectively influenced opinions and behaviour through the use of new media technology. The winner of this award will champion a cause and provide information and tools to instigate change.

The full press release can be downloaded here.

HMRC Is Shite (www.hmrcisshite.com), also available via the domain www.hmrconline.com, is brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"