Alistair Darling has made a statement to Parliament following the Poynter Review, which was commissioned following the loss of the child benefit data discs. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has also issued a report into the circumstances surrounding the loss.

HMRC’s Acting Chairman, Dave Hartnett, has written to the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Jane Kennedy, regarding the findings of the reviews. He said:

‘HMRC is absolutely committed to delivering all of their recommendations and to ensuring data security remains an explicit priority in the future’.

The report by the IPCC found no evidence of misconduct or criminality by HMRC staff, however it did acknowledge that the data loss was avoidable and a result of ‘serious failings’ within HMRC.

Mr Poynter noted that HMRC have made good progress towards implementing the 45 recommendations which are designed to ensure HMRC achieves the highest standards of data security.

Both reports and related documents can be accessed using the link below.

Internet link: Poynter Review

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