Having recently been made aware of the case of Apostle Accounting, I was very concerned to learn that a number of Norfolk and Suffolk constituents had been affected – including a number here in Mid Norfolk.

That’s why I began to look into the situation more closely and why I have been supporting affected Mid Norfolk constituents by raising their correspondence with HMRC via the MP’s Hotline to see what more information and assistance can be provided to them at this very difficult time.

(See my webstory update last month here)

Following further correspondence from concerned constituents, I have now co-signed a joint-letter to HMRC with several of my fellow Norfolk and Suffolk MP colleagues who also have affected constituents.

Together we have reaffirmed our individual concerns and strongly called for HMRC to examine and investigate the case – asking for details of any investigation that is already underway. We have also requested that:

• HMRC end the final payment demands to affected constituents while an investigation into the practices and operations of Apostle Accounting is undertaken.
• HMRC does not apply back-dated interest on the monies reportedly owed.
• HMRC confirm they agree with our belief that prosecution of those that engaged with Apostle Accounting in good faith would not be appropriate.
• HMRC exclude the 24% fee taken by Apostle Accounting from the original HMRC repayments made to affected constituents – as these customers never received that money and were genuinely unaware that they were ineligible for the monies the fee was drawn from, and which Apostle Accounting had apparently advised they could claim on their behalf.

While, as an MP, I am limited in the influence that I have in such cases and cannot directly intervene to resolve them, I am committed to doing what I can within my role to support those in Mid Norfolk affected by this case.

As soon as I have further information, I will provide additional updates.

To see the EDP article on our letter to HMRC, please click here