Working Together's digital future: update

In last month’s Working Together (WT) update, we reported on a letter we had sent to HMRC setting out the views of CIOT and ATT members on the proposals to move WT to a more digital footing. The letter acknowledged that digital solutions could have a role to play in WT, particularly in relation to updating agents on developments. But we argued that they should not replace face-to-face meetings in their entirety because these provide the best opportunity for agents and HMRC representatives to exchange views and experiences. Also, we asked HMRC to ensure that the digital channels selected are easy to use and accessible, and we encouraged the department to use this as an opportunity to look at other ways of improving WT.

HMRC welcomed this feedback and they have since announced a series of regional workshops at which CIOT and ATT representatives will be able to give their views to HMRC directly.

HMRC will use the regional workshops, which will start in late February and replace the next round of local WT meetings, to find out from agents what works face to face and to discuss the areas where engagement could take place digitally.

HMRC are keen to stress that this is an ‘ongoing conversation’ and that no decisions have been taken. Therefore, this is a good opportunity for agents to raise concerns they have with HMRC’s digital plans, and to make a case for what they think would work best. We encourage all of our representatives to engage with the workshops.

For more information on the regional workshops see: www.tinyurl.com/odxcvmw. At the time of writing, the dates have not been confirmed. Once we have this information we will post it on the WT pages of the CIOT and ATT websites.