ADJUDICATOR'S CONCERNS OVER TAX CREDIT COMPUTER ECHOES MP'S COMPLAINTS

ANGUS CONSTITUENTS ENCOUNTERING PROBLEMS WITH TAX CREDITS

Commenting on the release of the latest report by the Independent Adjudicator in respect of HM Customs and Revenue  Angus MP Mike Weir , SNP Shadow Minister for Work and Pensions, said this showed that there were still huge problems with the tax credit system, and particularly with the IT system.

"It comes as no surprise that the report notes that the adjudicator has "continued to receive a large and increasing number of complaints about tax credits "and that complaints were upheld fully or partially in 74% of cases."

"Although the adjudicator does say the department are attempting to address the problems she also notes that "the IT system constrains the quick delivery of some of the most desired changes". This exactly echoes complaints I have made about the system and  goes to the core of the problem with  the whole system - it is overly complex and relies on an IT system that simply seems unable to deliver."

"Frankly the comments on the IT system will come as no surprise to my constituents. I have received many complaints from Angus about tax credits and have repeatedly raised concerns regarding the IT system.

"The problem is not an isolated one as I have had  applicants from Forfar, Montrose and Arbroath who  have all  found that information is
not being properly recorded. When their cases have gone  wrong there does not seem to be any easy way to intervene and put it right. "

"I have dealt with several cases where I am assured that matters are being sorted out, yet constituents continue to receive computer
generated letters and demands contradicting what I have been told."

"The continuing problems with the IT system is totally undermining confidence in the system to the extent that several constituents have
told me that they are no longer prepared to claim tax credits. That is completely unacceptable and continuing delays in sorting out the system will only make matters worse. The department must deal with this as a matter of extreme urgency."