“HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has come under fire for spending over £1m on ‘fancy’ office chairs in three years, despite staff only needing to be in the office three days a week. Additionally, £59,000 was spent on desks and £16,000 on storage units, as revealed by a Freedom of Information request. Government policy allows HMRC staff to work from home if it aligns with departmental needs. However, guidelines mandate civil servants to spend at least 60% of their time in the office. Analysis by the Telegraph showed that only 53% of civil servants went to the office weekly between January and March, while phone wait times hit a record 25 minutes. Critics, including Joanna Marchong from the TaxPayers’ Alliance, have urged HMRC to prioritise taxpayer value over comfort for civil servants. Despite criticism, HMRC defends the purchases, stating they ensure effective work conditions for staff.”

Quotation by Nigel Holland

Nigel Holland
  • HMRC spent £1m on office chairs in three years.
  • £59,000 on desks and £16,000 on storage units were also spent.
  • Civil servants must spend at least 60% of their time in the office.
  • Only 53% of civil servants went to the office weekly between January and March.
  • Critics urge HMRC to focus on improving services rather than spending on comfort.