Robert Jenrick Proposes Tax Credits for HMRC Phone Delays

Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick announced a series of policy proposals aimed at small businesses and government efficiency during a press conference in London. The centerpiece is a delay-repay scheme that would grant taxpayers a £30 non-refundable tax credit if they wait more than 30 minutes for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to answer a phone call. Jenrick estimated the cost at £70 million annually and proposed limiting credits to two per tax year while tying senior HMRC officials' pay to customer service performance.

Beyond the tax credits, Jenrick pledged to replace the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) with a light-touch framework based on New Zealand's privacy laws and raise the VAT registration threshold to £150,000. Other proposals include a hard work bonus to scrap income tax on overtime, reversing employer national insurance contribution increases, and allowing parents to invest up to £250,000 tax-free into a child's business.

HMRC defended its current performance, stating average call wait times have improved to approximately 11 minutes with 80% customer satisfaction. The Labour Party dismissed the proposals as unserious and unworkable, arguing that Reform UK lacks detail on data safeguards. The announcements occurred while party leader Nigel Farage remained absent from public view following reports of a £5 million gift from a cryptocurrency billionaire.