Payroll data migration from previous payroll provider

We experienced a quality issue with previous accountant doing our payroll so decided to terminate the contract with him. We asked him to transfer historical payroll data including the last FPS file(.xml type) so that we can import it to the new payroll software and move forward smoothly. However, he required us to pay too much migration fee beyond our capability, even for the data that other payroll provider reported in the past. So here is the question. Is it mandatory to acquire the historical xml data from the previous payroll provider to import to the new software ? We already have all the historical payslips and have no overdue PAYE payment so far. I wonder if it is still okay to set up the new payroll software with manual data insert from the historical payslips.

Hi,
You may need this information if you require to make any amendments in future.
It is also important to note you have certain data retention requirements for the information.
So you would need to assess if this is information you have in the historical payslips or if it is something you would need to get from the previous account.
Thank you.