§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many staff will be employed in each of the two new tax credit contact centres; where they will be located; and when they will become operational. [147655]
§ Dawn Primarolo[holding answer 13 January 2004]The two new Tax Credit Contact Centres—in Newcastle upon Tyne and Bathgate (West Lothian)—will each employ the equivalent of 500 new full time staff dedicated to answering tax credits calls. The Bathgate Contact Centre will, in addition, house the equivalent of a further 300 existing full time staff. The tax credits staff will be taking calls in time to support the continued delivery of tax credits from April 2004.
§ Andrew SelousTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the habitual residence test in regard to child and working tax credits will apply to nationals of the EU accession states if they come to live in the United Kingdom. [151070]
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§ Dawn PrimaroloNo, the habitual residence test does not apply to tax credits just as it has never applied to Child Benefit. However, to qualify for tax credits, a person must be both present and ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom.