I propose to take Questions Nos. 128 and 131 together.
In response to the Deputy’s questions the following tables outline the number of open roles by functional area and position since the inception of the Tax Appeals Commission on 21 March, 2016:
Appeal Commissioners
Grade
|
2016
|
2017
|
2018
|
Total as at 17 Dec 2018
|
Appeal Commissioner
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
Temporary Appeal Commissioner*
|
|
1 (Started June 2017 – 2 year contract)
|
1
|
1
|
Administration
Grade
|
2016
|
2017
|
2018
|
Total as at 17 Dec 2018
|
Principal Officer
|
1
|
1
|
Vacant from Oct 2018
|
-
|
Assistant Principal Officer
|
|
1 (Started Feb 2017)
|
1
|
1
|
Higher Executive Officer
|
1
|
1
|
Vacant from Dec 2018
|
-
|
Higher Executive Officer
|
|
0.5 (Started Oct 2017)
|
0.5
|
0.5
|
Executive Officer
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
Clerical Officer
|
1
|
1
|
Vacant from Oct 2018
|
-
|
Clerical Officer
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
Clerical Officer
|
|
|
2 (Started Feb, Apr 2018)
|
2
|
Case Managers:
Grade
|
2016
|
2017
|
2018
|
Total as at 17 Dec 2018
|
Assistant Principal Officer
|
|
|
3 (Started Jan, Mar, Apr 2018)
|
3
|
Scheduling Office:
Grade
|
2016
|
2017
|
2018
|
Total as at 17 Dec 2018
|
Assistant Principal Officer
|
|
1 (Started Dec 2017)
|
1
|
1
|
Executive Officer
|
|
|
1 (Started Jan 2018)
|
1
|
Total
|
14.5
|
Current Vacancies
|
3
|
Overall Total
|
17.5
|
* Sanction was originally received for the appointment of 5 Temporary Appeal Commissioners in 2016 but only one Temporary Commissioner has been appointed to date.
Deputies will be aware that I commissioned an independent review of the workload and operations of the TAC, and this was published on Budget day. The review makes a range of recommendations in relation to staffing, governance and infrastructural needs at the TAC, including recommending the appointment of additional Appeal Commissioners and a further 12 administrative staff to facilitate the effective operation of the TAC. I have confirmed my full support for the recommendations of the review and have approved a significant increase to the TAC's operating budget for 2019 to address the identified needs. Work is ongoing to implement the recommendations of the review.