Report on HMRC's Lost Discs

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'.

According to the report HMRC have significantly strengthened their data security since the incident.

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.

If you would like to find out more or have any questions, we will be delighted to offer any help or advice. Please contact Peter Hogan at Darlington, Nicola Bellerby at Durham or Terry Doyle at York.

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