Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs has come to a temporary stop in its enquiries into potential wrongdoing and is telling the people and companies that it is investigating that it is not going to ask them questions or require the production of documents for the time being.

Ivor Jones, a spokesman for the authority, told Compliance Matters: “The government has announced an unprecedented support package for business and workers to help them through this economic emergency.

“It is right that HMRC does everything possible to protect individuals, businesses and that the economy during this extremely difficult time. This includes prioritising work to support businesses and individuals.

“HMRC will always take tough action against fraudsters who attempt to deprive the UK of the public funds the Government needs to support the nation at this difficult time.”

Mr Jones added: “It’s worth me pointing out that tax liabilities have not been stopped or ended, just deferred – this is so as to support individuals and businesses at this time. Also, the temporary pause regards civil compliance enquiries - we always take tough action against fraudsters who attempt to deprive the UK of the public funds.”

The authority has stopped some investigations entirely for now.