In what other walk of life could this happen?
How can mistakes by HMRC be laid at the door of those simplistic people who it affected?
Its hard enough these days earning an honest living, and those who do kind of get accutomed to what their wage is, and budget accordingly.
They may even put a little aside each week, like the Govt have always recommened....for a weekend at the seaside?
Then, due to some overpaid, (and under qualified) buffoons, there is the unbearable shock that you owe the taxman EVEN MORE !
I calculated last year, that because of my high tax band, plus council tax and allowing for VAT, that I have to work until July 20th before I earn one penny for myself ...and now thats getting even worse...and I HAVE HAD ENOUGH ....I'M SICK OF IT !
Fester
It's a good thing that i am prevented from commenting on the subject but I feel I must question the remark ''overpaid (and under qualified buffoons)''
Is that just HMRC that have this honour that you refer to (in your rather 'under qualified' opinion')? Or do VAT, DWP & the Benefits agency get your utter disapproval too?
...Scott! .. and I thought you were a friend of mine!
But I will answer your point directly.
When mistakes of such enormous and wide-reaching consequence are made, they are inevitably made by very Senior people. Therefore, because they failed on fat salaries, they are by definition OVERPAID.
They are also incompetent. (therefore Buffoons)
This is true of ANY organisation, including the NHS, Benefits Agency, HMRC etc.
Its also true of NON Government organisations... i.e. private business where I spent my whole career.
The difference is, in private business, you fail, you get the boot......in Public service, it gets covered up, apologised for... and an early fat pension beckons.
But this is NOT a swipe at frontline, hardworking HMRC or NHS staff. They are not overpaid, or buffoons ... so don't get defensive on me!