Minister "receptive" to case for Kendal tax office

12.00.00am GMT Wed 22nd Oct 2008

Local MP Tim Farron met with Treasury minister Stephen Timms to discuss the future of the HM Revenue and Customs Office (HMRC) in Kendal, which is currently earmarked for closure under a government consultation.

During the meeting, Mr Farron stressed how the threat of closure had demoralised staff; but also reiterated the importance of the office as a source of knowledge for local businesses.

Commenting Mr Farron said:

"The meeting was very positive-the minister was receptive to the case for keeping the Kendal HMRC office open.

"It also gave me the opportunity to ask the minister to clarify the 'for-sale' sign above the office, for which he was very apologetic.

"Whilst no promises were made; there seems a good chance that the Kendal office will be retained as a "hub", at least in the medium term."