Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he is taking steps to reduce the time taken for applications for (a) PAYE reference and (b) VAT numbers to be processed.

VAT Registration applications are now being worked within the 40 working day service level.

For PAYE, Employer Registration applications can be submitted digitally using our Online Tax Registration Service https://www.gov.uk/register-employer or via the Employers Helpline on 0300 200 321.

We are focussed on reducing the time taken for businesses to receive the PAYE reference number following application by investing in digital solutions and utilising additional resources to drive down the number of cases on hand.