Stunell Slams Tax Credit Payment Fiasco

5.10.26pm GMT Wed 23rd Mar 2005

Speaking in Parliament this week during the Budget debate, Andrew Stunell MP condemned the Inland Revenue for mistakes made in paying out tax credits. According to Mr Stunell, problems arise when Inland Revenue overpayments are clawed back, leaving families out of pocket and often without the means for everyday living.

Voicing the distress of over a dozen Hazel Grove constituents, and countless families across Stockport, Mr Stunell told Parliament:

"It is quite unreasonable for the Inland Revenue, having made a mistake, to blame the recipient for failing to detect it and to impose a repayment schedule of sometimes purse-breaking proportions."

One local resident, David Best, has experienced the ineptitude of the Tax Credits Office on behalf of his daughter. Mr Best said:

"My daughter has now not received any of the working tax credit she needs since October 2004 simply because the Tax Credit Office has made a mistake and not updated her information. She is at her wits end with this matter and her qaulity of life, and that of her son, are suffering because of it."

Mr Stunell added:

"This is just one of many cases across Stockport. Inland Revenue mistakes about tax credits are a big problem. The whole system needs to be simplified."

Notes to Editors

1) The full text of the debate can be found in Hansard, 22nd March 2005, column 683, link:

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200405/cmhansrd/cm050321/debtext/50321-28.htm#50321-28_spnew2

2) 15 Hazel Grove constituents have contacted Andrew Stunell to date about tax credit overpayments which have caused them significant distress and anxiety. David Best is happy to speak to the Press about his experiences and can be contacted via Mr Stunell's constituency office on 0161 4067070

3) If you think you may have an issue with Tax Credit overpayments, you can call the Inland Revenue's Tax Credit helpline, 0845 300 3900. Your local Citizens Advice Bureau may also be able to help.

4) More information on Tax Credits overpayments can be found from the Citizen's Advice Bureau: http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/CY/nm/overpayment_of_tax_credits.pdf