HM Revenue and Customs paid out a record £400,000 in 2013 to people who informed the taxman of those who were involved in tax avoidance activities.

The record figure signifies a rise of 30% in rewards to whistleblowers since 2010, it is estimated that up to 250 people a day contact the taxman to make tip offs regarding suspected tax dodging, from a wide variety of sources including ex-partners and former employers.

Rewards for such information, if claims are proven to be substantiated ranged between £50 and £1000, depending on the quality of the information and the amount of tax that has been avoided.

Every day some 250 people are tipping off the taxman about suspected tax dodging by acquaintances, including ex-partners, former bosses and neighbours, according to The Independent.