Five more tax offices will close

The closures are part of a review of "urban centres" in Wales

Tax officials say they intend closing five offices in Wales after a review of its operations.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) says it will vacate its buildings in Newport, central Cardiff and Pontypridd in 2009, relocating staff to Llanishen, Cardiff.

Its Llanelli office and the Custom House in Swansea will also be closed, with staff moved to operations at HMRC's Ty Nant building in Swansea.

The Newport East MP and its AM say the move is "shameful".

"This is terrible news for the whole of Newport but this is not the end of the line," insisted Jessica Morden, MP.

"We will continue to fight for the services by appealing this decision."

Newport East AM, John Griffiths added: "I am bitterly disappointed that this decision has been made.

"It is important to retain these jobs to ensure Newport continues to be a thriving city of opportunity for all."

Future

Cardiff Central AM Jenny Randerson said she was "dismayed" by the decision to reduce services in the city, which she said was effectively a closure.

HMRC said the decision was taken as part of its review of urban centre accommodation.

"These decisions are the latest to emerge from a nationwide series of reviews designed to create the future shape of the department," said Mary Hay, the HMRC director responsible for the programme.

"We've engaged widely with the trades unions, MPs, AMs, local authorities and a range of customer groups as well as with our own employees."

Despite closing office suites, HMRC stressed that tax enquiry centres will remain in, or near, their current locations.

A further 10 tax offices across Wales have already been earmarked for closure by the service, including at Aberystwyth, Bangor, Holyhead, Bridgend and Haverfordwest.