Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many inspections HMRC has undertaken in relation to potential fraudulent use of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

It would not be appropriate for HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to publish detailed information about their operational response during the COVID-19 outbreak.

HMRC will subject Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) claims to scrutiny and use their usual compliance tools to carry out proportionate risk-based compliance checks before and after payment to test the veracity of CJRS claims. HMRC will take robust steps to prevent fraudulent claims being paid, to recover any payments made to those who are not eligible, and to respond to those who make fraudulent claims.

In doing so HMRC will protect essential public services and livelihoods at risk during these challenging times.