Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Older HMRC debts are less likely to be repaid, requiring tailored interventions.
Recommendation
As HMRC’s debts get older, they are less likely to be repaid.52 HMRC stressed the importance of tackling the new debt before it ages.53 We asked whether HMRC has a new approach planned for tackling older debts.54 It said it 47 Report on 2023–24 Accounts, para 7 48 Qq 37-38 49 Q 34 50 Report on 2023–24 Accounts, para 7; C&AG’s Report, HM Revenue & Customs Annual Report and Accounts 2022–23, Session 2022–23, HC 1466, 17 July 2023, para 1.14 51 Qq 35-36 52 Report on 2023–24 Accounts, para 7 53 Q 36 54 Qq 36-37 13 has investment for getting better data from credit reference agencies and better customer insights, which it will use to tailor its interventions on older debts based on customer behaviour and the type of customer.55 Reducing the tax gap
Government Response
A response document is linked to this report, dated 6 May 2025. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document ↗