HMRC to Roll Out New Dispute Resolution Process
Following a successful trial over a two year period, HMRC is planning to roll out a new process for dispute resolutions on a national scale. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process will be open to individuals and small businesses.
ADR will involve mediation from “Independent HMRC Facilitators.” These mediators will aim to help resolve disputes at an earlier stage, before an assessment is made and without resorting to a tribunal.
Richard Summersgill, HMRC’s Director of Local Compliance, said he was “delighted to announce” that the process would be entering mainstream use. He emphasised the speed and flexibility of ADR, and said that, through use of the new process, “many disputes can be significantly shortened and resolved without recourse to tribunal.”
The current tribunal system will still be available. However, it is hoped the existing system will be under less pressure once an alternative option is available, as it has become increasingly backlogged in recent years.