Powers given to HMRC to take money directly from bank accounts has already saved the government £13m, the tax authority has claimed, due to the “deterrent effect” of the measure.
The controversial ‘Direct Recovery of Debts’ powers were introduced a decade ago but paused during the pandemic. HMRC as been reinstated with the powers since September last year following a decision made by chancellor Rachel Reeves at her 2025 Spring Statement.
