HC Deb 16 September 2004 vol 424 cc1658-9WS
Norman Lamb

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action is being taken to ensure that the Inland Revenue's computer system is able to cope with the complexity of tax credit claims and payments; how many overpayments of tax credit have been made in the current financial year; what the value of those overpayments is; and how many overpayments are subject to recovery. [188897]

Dawn Primarolo

The new IT systems for tax credits have been introduced as planned and are delivering the processes for finalising tax credit awards for 2003–04 and renewing claims for 2004–05. Information about the number of overpayments in relation to 2004–05 tax credits awards will be available after those awards are finalised.

Mr. Frank Field

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the tax credit appeal by the constituent of the hon. Member for Birkenhead, Mr. Matthew Morrison of Beckwith Street, Birkenhead, lodged on 19 April, will be heard. [189280]

Dawn Primarolo

The Inland Revenue aims to settle tax credit appeals by agreement with the customer, wherever possible. For appeals that go to tribunal, the Appeals Service aims to hear cases within 12 weeks of receipt of a submission. The Inland Revenue wrote to Mr Morrison about his case on 24 August 2004.

Mr. Maude

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the total value is of tax credit overpayments not recovered because the Inland Revenue accept that the overpayment arose because of a mistake by the Inland Revenue and the person could reasonably have thought their award was right. [187842]

Dawn Primarolo

The information requested for 2003–04 awards is not yet available.

Mr. Maude

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the total value is of compensation awarded for tax credit errors made by the Inland Revenue. [187844]

Dawn Primarolo

Compensation payments can be made for mistakes or unreasonable delays. For payments during 2003–04, I refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Hamilton South (Mr. Tynan) and to the hon. Member for Northavon (Mr. Webb) on 20 July 2004,Official Report, columns 190–91W.

Later payments up to the end of August 2004 totalled £570,000.

Mr. John Taylor

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement regarding the performance of the Tax Credits Office at Preston, and in particular its Disputes Team, with reference to the case of a constituent of Onslow Crescent in Solihull whose name has been communicated to him. [189159]

Dawn Primarolo

The Tax Credit Office (TCO) aims to reply to 80 per cent. of complaints within 15 working days and is on line to achieve this target this year.

The TCO is in contact with the hon. Member and his constituent about his constituent's claim.