HMRC puts antiques up for auction

THE Government’s tax collection agency is planning to auction off property ranging from original paintings to antique vases.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) said it has a collection of “artefacts, artworks and antiques” that it no longer wants.

Its commercial office in Salford is now advertising for an auctioneer who will value and dispose of the items, “in a practical manner that demonstrates value for money to the taxpayer”. It is prepared to spend up to £200,000 on the process.

In a statement the HMRC said its collection fell into three categories: Artefacts such as bespoke departmental equipment; artworks, ranging from original works to limited edition prints; and antiques such as tables, chairs, cabinets, clocks and vases.

The agency could not give further details although it is understood it has prepared a catalogue.

It is currently reorganising its national office network and some offices will be closed. It has decided to sell off the items rather than put them into storage because they are, “not suitable in a modern flexible office environment”.

In its advert the agency said: “HMRC requires a service provider to value and market the surplus items via public auctions and ensure that the best possible net proceeds are obtained.

“It is anticipated auctioneering and associated services will be required. The service provider shall use the residual value of the surplus items to cover any costs incurred in carrying out the disposal, provide a full audit report of the costs incurred from the disposal and receipts obtained from the sale of items to ensure that the authority receives a payment.”