National Audit Office Press Notice

Information relating to child benefit data

THIS STATEMENT IS FOR IMMEDIATE USE – THURSDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2007

Following the Chancellor's statement on Tuesday, questions have been raised about the way in which the decision was taken to make Child Benefit data available to the National Audit Office for audit. The National Audit Office has today written to the Acting Chairman of HMRC to confirm our understanding of this matter. This letter, and a copy of HMRC’s response, is attached, together with other relevant e-mails and correspondence including an NAO note provided to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 19th November 2007.

Child Benefit data correspondence (597 KB)

Notes for Editors:

The Comptroller and Auditor General, Sir John Bourn, is the head of the National Audit Office which employs some 850 staff. He and the NAO are totally independent of Government. He certifies the accounts of all Government departments and a wide range of other public sector bodies; and he has statutory authority to report to Parliament on the economy, efficiency and effectiveness with which departments and other bodies have used their resources.

Press Notice 54/07
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