What is the role of Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC)?

The role of Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is primarily to collect taxes from individuals and businesses in the UK. This includes income tax, corporation tax, and value-added tax (VAT), among others. HMRC is responsible for ensuring that the tax system is fair and efficient, monitoring compliance, and tackling tax evasion. Their work is crucial as it funds public services and helps maintain the overall economic stability of the country.

While the other options involve functions that might be performed by different organizations or agencies, HMRC specifically focuses on tax-related matters. For instance, the regulation of financial advisers is typically overseen by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), while consumer disputes are handled by organizations like the Consumer Ombudsman or Trading Standards. Providing financial education is often conducted by financial institutions or educational organizations rather than HMRC. Thus, the clear and direct responsibility of HMRC is to collect taxes, making this the correct answer.