VAT - Refusal to Register

Stuff like this is why it is easily possible to slash numbers at HMRC and slash the backlog at the same time.

I applied online for a client's registration on 14 Feb, straightforward stuff.  Transfer of a going concern of a restaurant business, my client is a partnership. Back came some paperwork, VAT 5 and VAT 2.  Annoying given that they asked for information we'd already given in the original application, but I sent it off.  My client later sent it off too not realising I had.  Then 2 weeks later they asked for the same info. again.

Very annoying, but my client sent it off again.  Then 2 weeks later they rang me to ask for it yet again.

Very very annoying.  I explained we'd already sent it 3 times and offered to give her any information needed right there and then by phone or e-mail, she refused.  I gave her some free information:

1.  Our first return will be a reclaim due to capital spends.

2.  After that sales should be £200k a year or more, all at 20%, with mostly zero-rated food inputs.  So a cash cow for the country.

Still she would not budge.  I said I was not prepared to send the same information a fourth time.

So now we get a Letter of Refusal to issue the VAT number.  I have written today to the head of the office concerned highlighting the history and suggesting he or she reconsiders this refusal for the good of the country's finances.

Where do they get their staff from?  Wherver it is, can they send them back and start over again please?