Remember that deft idea of popping a CD in the post? You know, the one with all the child benefit claims on?

Well, HMRC has done it again. In a stunning coup de grace, they’s gone and told people about their neighbours.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/10174577.stm

When I was at the DHSS, we had this thing called the Official Secrets Act to sign. You weren’t supposed to discuss claimants’ details with anyone who was not authorised. Those were the days of paper records. These days, with it all being digital, I note that there is a more relaxed attitude about such things.

HMRC should pay out £100 to everyone affected. A few million in compensation might actually get the civil servants to pay more attention.

I disagree.

Sack the entire HMRC civil service management and make them all interview for their jobs.

I would agree but how practical is that. They might all get their jobs back with a pay increase. By stripping them of money it makes payment of bonuses impossible and makes the pain with the cuts even harder.

Apart from the odd committee with these sort of things, who actually looks into HMRC officially? Assuming someone does of course...

The Audit Office looks in to see that there is value for money given.