BROWN'S TAX CREDIT SYSTEM NEEDS URGENT OVERHAUL

Commenting on reports today (Wednesday) that total of £1.8 billion in tax credits has been overpaid in the case of 1.96 million claims the SNP's Work & Pensions spokesperson Mike Weir MP said that Gordon Brown should be the one answering for the chaos in the system.

The figure of £1.8bn was overpaid in the case of 1.96 million claims, compares to £2.2bn paid out to 1.88 million claims in 2003/04.

Commenting Mr Weir said:

"It is no surprise to me that the system is in chaos. I initiated an adjournment debate earlier this month on this very subject concerning a number of cases within my constituency where constituents have fallen foul of the system.

"It now rivals the CSA in terms of constituents' complaints and many parents are left worried by demands for repayments and a loss of income for their families.

"The problems lie with the computer system and an over-complex bureaucracy. However the upshot of this chaos is that many families in need are now refusing to claim because of worries about being forced to pay back huge amounts.

"The system must be reformed and take account of the changing circumstances. At present the computerised system allows for little human intervention to sort out a case. That must be overhauled.

"The Paymaster General may be the minister in charge but it should be remembered that this system was one of Gordon Brown's obsessions. When Parliament returns it should be him who answers the questions as the person responsible for overhauling this over complex and chaotic system."