Further consultation on HMRC criminal investigation powers

A consultation document setting out how the Government proposes to update HM Revenue & Customs' (HMRC) criminal investigation powers and accompanying safeguards is published today.

The consultation is the latest stage of HMRC's work to modernise its powers, deterrents and safeguards. Currently, HMRC relies on provisions inherited from its predecessor Departments - the Inland Revenue and HM Customs and Excise - which evolved over a considerable period of time, and involve substantial differences between different areas and taxes.