14 January 2010

HMRC Pontypool

Statement from Paul Murphy MP about the announcement on HMRC Pontypool

"My reaction to this news is to repeat what I have been saying for over 3 years, since these proposals were first suggested. I think that it is wrong to close the Pontypool Office.

"I respect the need for HMRC to make savings in these tight financial times, but my issue is not with that policy but with how it is being implemented.

"Since 2006, I have held a number of meetings in Pontypool and London with the workers, management and Ministers and have written countless letters to HMRC and to Ministers. Our Assembly Member and Council Leader have also been involved and have made their feelings known. The detailed case made by the Pontypool workers and passed by me to the HMRC and Ministers was constructive and sensible.

"All along, a number of points have been made forcefully. Firstly, that the Pontypool office is an excellent facility in a good, accessible location, with effective, loyal, experienced staff. Secondly, that any plans for relocation to Cardiff raise far more problems than a look at a map may suggest. And lastly, that the principal of moving jobs away from the valleys goes against the policies of the past ten years to bring jobs to our areas.

"My office have spoken to the staff this morning and offered to do everything we can to help any of the people whose jobs are going. HMRC have promised to avoid compulsory redundancies wherever possible, and to put in place measures to assist those who are affected. I will continue to keep a close eye on events to ensure that this is the case.”

Site designed and developed by Public Impact

Site promoted and issued on his own behalf by Paul Murphy MP. 73 Upper Trosnant Street, Pontypool, Torfaen NP4 8AU.
This site is paid for by the Communications Allowance available to MPs. Site admin