Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of (a) extending HMRC's Loan Charge helpline to a 24 hour a day service and b) ensuring that mental health support workers are available through that helpline.

The Government takes concerns about the wellbeing of all taxpayers seriously and recognises that the Loan Charge can add significant pressures for some taxpayers.

Following Lord Morse’s Independent Loan Charge Review, the Government has taken further steps to mitigate the impact of the Loan Charge to ensure that the right support is in place for those who need it.

HMRC operates a settlement helpline for taxpayers who have used disguised remuneration avoidance schemes, and all call handlers are trained to identify taxpayers who might need additional support.

It would be inappropriate for HMRC, as a tax authority, to set up a helpline for those in severe mental distress. For taxpayers who need specialised help, HMRC advisors suggest they contact organisations like Samaritans or Mind.

HMRC has a well-established approach to helping those who are struggling to pay their liabilities in full. HMRC will agree a sustainable and manageable payment plan to spread the tax liability for anyone who is unable to pay in full.