VAT (Small Businesses)

Oral Answers to Questions — Treasury – in the House of Commons at 2:30 pm on 12 October 2010.

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Photo of Simon Kirby Simon Kirby Conservative, Brighton, Kemptown 2:30, 12 October 2010

What recent representations he has received on the time taken by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs to provide VAT numbers to new small businesses.

Photo of David Gauke David Gauke The Exchequer Secretary

Treasury Ministers receive representations on a range of subjects from organisations and individuals about aspects of service delivery.

Photo of Simon Kirby Simon Kirby Conservative, Brighton, Kemptown

I thank the Minister. A number of businesses in Brighton have waited a very long time to receive their VAT numbers. Does the Minister agree that the prevention of fraud is as important as providing a prompt service?

Photo of David Gauke David Gauke The Exchequer Secretary

My hon. Friend is right. There is a need to balance the desire for a quick service with ensuring that we do not allow fraudulent registrations. Between April and September this year, 57.4% of applications were processed within the target 10 calendar days. There was an improvement in the rate during August and September, when 71.4% and 79.7% of applications were processed within the 10 days.