Bonuses at UK Treasury are a Scandal

11.50.36am GMT Sun 9th Mar 2008

Bonuses rose on average by 60%

MPs have criticised HM Revenue and Customs for giving senior staff big bonus increases in the last tax year. The bonuses went up by an average of 60% during a year when complaints about tax credits rose and VAT processing targets were missed.

Lib Dem Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable stated "It is clear that the days of prudence in the Treasury are well and truly over. With millions of personal records lost, a tax credit system in chaos and the debacle of Northern Rock, why on earth does the Treasury think it is appropriate to increase staff bonuses by 60%? Performance related pay is entirely undermined when swathes of staff receive large bonuses regardless of performance. The Treasury has been a failing department for several years and bonus payments should reflect that"