Lucy Frazer, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, outlined why the latest Covid variant is responsible for the deadline being pushed back.

Ms Frazer said: “We recognise that Omicron is putting people under pressure, so we are giving millions of people more breathing space to manage their tax affairs.

“Waiving late filing and payment penalties will help ease financial burdens and protect livelihoods as we navigate the months ahead.”

Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Deputy Chief Executive and Second Permanent Secretary, emphasised the importance of the extra time which is being given to taxpayers.