A government consultation gives Deaf people the chance to have their say on the communication support they need to deal with tax queries over the phone.
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have launched a consultation exercise on their new specialist telephone service for customers who require extra help.
The service replaces their contact centres which previously offered face to face assistance for people with tax queries. They offered a wide range of support mechanisms for deaf people including induction loops, crystal listening devices and sign language interpreters.
It is hoped that the new telephone service will provide a similar level of support for deaf people’s tax enquiries. They are one the groups deemed to require extra help on the telephone and a number of adjustments have been made to meet their needs
Under HMRC’s proposals the telephone service will enable Deaf people to communicate with an advisor via a text phone. Referrals can also be made for face to face appointments with a sign language interpreter if required.
Commenting on the consultation exercise Jim Edwards, Signature chief executive, said, “We encourage deaf people to take part in the consultation and have their say, it is vital that the service caters for their communication needs”.
For more information please visit www.hmrc.gov.uk
