HMRC Offices Must Stay In Chesterfield

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 18th Jul 2007

Commenting on today's debate in the House of Commons on HMRC restructuring, Paul Holmes, Liberal Democrat MP for Chesterfield said:

"The proposed HMRC closure in Chesterfield will force employees to make the long and difficult journey through congested roads to offices in Sheffield.

"The majority of the workers are part-time, who have expressed concern that they will have to leave their job because of the closure. Most workers have to pick up children from school and look after relatives

"This would hurt the recovering economy of Chesterfield. The destructive economic policies of the Thatcherite years are still being felt and this closure would only further harm local businesses.

"A significant percentage of savings and inconvenience to people could saved by closing Dents chamber while moving everyone into Markham house."

Speaking after the debate, Paul Holmes MP added:

"The Minister's response was disappointing. Jane Kennedy claimed that 25% staff cuts and large centralised offices will provide a better and more efficient service but my constituents want a local HMRC office."