§ Vera BairdTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether it will be part of the duties of Jobcentre Plus staff to provide assistance with completing application forms for the new tax credits. [67243]
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownYes. From 2003 customers, if they choose, will be able to have their new tax credits business (including assistance with claim form completion) dealt with by Jobcentre Plus staff.
§ Vera BairdTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assistance he intends Jobcentre Plus staff will provide to people who do not have the information and evidence of income they are required to provide in connection with an application for new tax credits. [67241]
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownFrom 2003 Jobcentre Plus staff will help people complete their new tax credits claims, including the income information they need to supply. Guidance for staff will therefore cover all the options available in helping people calculate the income details they need to enter on the claim form.
The help available from Jobcentre Plus will complement that provided by the Inland Revenue and the comprehensive guidance to the new tax credits claim form.
§ Vera BairdTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what programme of training will be provided to Jobcentre Plus staff on the new tax credits. [67242]
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownAll Jobcentre Plus staff dealing with NTC business will receive a full package of training so that they can provide people with information about new tax credits, and assist with new tax credits claims and related inquiries.