HMRC Functions
The Act gives HM Treasury the power to direct HMRC to create new functions in relation to COVID-19. Specifically, it enables HMRC to pay grants to businesses to deliver the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Under this Scheme, employers are be able to contact HMRC for a grant to cover most of the wages of people who are not working but are furloughed and kept on payroll. The Scheme will cover 80% of the salary of workers retained, up to a total of £2,500 per month. It will cover the cost of wages backdated to 1st March 2020 and will be open initially for at least three months.
	In addition to allowing HMRC to deliver the Job Retention Scheme, it also provides the flexibility for HM Treasury to provide further directions if necessary, as the Government continues to respond to the situation as it develops.
	Unlike ministerial departments, HMRC is a statutory body established by the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005. This power is necessary as HMRC is a statutory body that only has the functions conferred by or under statute – for example the power to collect and manage a wide range of taxes.