Tax experts have applauded the government’s decision to water down controversial plans to give HMRC extra tax debt-collection powers.

Extra safeguards and additional time for consultation on direct recovery of debts (DRD) mean the measure will be delayed until after next year’s general election.

DRD has been the cause of outrage since it was unveiled in May to give Revenue officials access to taxpayers’ bank accounts. Taxation’s campaign against the proposal earned media coverage for its petition, which had garnered 4,623 names at the time of writing.

Paul Aplin of AC Mole & Son opened Taxation’…