The results of the Independent Police Complaints Commission's (IPCC) seven-month inquiry were revealed last month along with the Poynter Review into the loss of the child benefit data discs.

While the IPCC found no evidence of misconduct or criminality, it stated that the processes for data handling were woefully inadequate at HMRC's Child Benefit Office in Washington. But individual members of staff were not to blame for losing the missing Child Benefit data CDs.

The final report by Kieran Poynter, Chairman of PricewaterhouseCoopers found that Institutional problems were the reason two computer discs containing the names, addresses, bank details and national insurance numbers of 25 million people, went missing last year. Despite a massive police hunt, the discs were not found.

The Chancellor, Alistair Darling told parliament he apologised “unreservedly” to those affected by the loss but said most of the failings uncovered by the Poynter review had now been addressed. The Chancellor noted that the Poynter report makes 45 recommendations, all of which have been accepted. HMRC has made good progress on 39 of the recommendations including 13, which have been fully implemented. According to the Chancellor, work is continuing on the remaining recommendations.

Full details of the Poynter Report and the IPCC's report are available at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/news/hartnett-poynter-icc.htm