Farron condemns "disgraceful" decision to close Kendal tax office

South Lakeland MP Tim Farron has labelled the decision to close the HM Revenue and Customs office in Kendal as a "disgrace" after the Treasury announced the closure of an expected 130 branches within the next 12 months.

Mr Farron has expressed his dismay about the treatment of staff, who have been told that they will have to make a decision on their future by February 8th. Staff will have to decide whether to take voluntary early release, move to other government departments, or as a last resort compulsory redundancy.

Tim has also criticised the Government for making cuts to public expenditure at a time when the local community is in desperate need of the expertise and advice provided by the Kendal HMRC office.

Commenting Mr Farron said:

"The decision to close Kendal's tax office is a massive blow to our local economy by taking away important local jobs and reducing the support and advice available to local businesses.

"It's also completely unacceptable that staff have been given less than month to decided whether to work at Carlisle, Preston or leaving Revenue and Customs altogether.

"Public expenditure cuts like these are only going to cause long term damage to the local economy. The Treasury should be looking to maintain existing offices rather than a trying to raise a quick buck."