Tax credits (From Barry And District News)

Tax credits

MAY I, through the use of your newspaper, highlight the problems with this new Tax Credit system.

I and my family, like thousands of others, have the pleasure of applying for the new child/working tax credits, this I did and replied with all the information required.

On February 24, 2003, I received a letter from the Inland Revenue informing me of my "award" and that it would be paid into my bank account on Monday April 7 2003, and weekly thereafter.

Last week I received yet another application form, which I queried via their Tax Credit Helpline.

They informed me that it was an error on their part and to ignore the form as my credits had been awarded and would be paid into my bank account on April 7, 2003.

Yes, you have guessed the outcome, it is April 8, still no money and no way of contacting these wonderful people, as there is a high demand for their helpline and I still can't get through.

So please Mr Smith MP, how do we survive?

The only money I have yet again this week is my child benefit to live on as tax credits are paid in arrears.

My son's school shoes split two weeks ago and he has to go to school in trainers as I need money to purchase them.

I know I am one of hundreds of people who will be having to live on just child benefit; in some cases people have their child benefit paid monthly, so how are they coping?

Yet another Government cock-up. No wonder Mr Blair is hiding in Ireland this week, because myself and other parents would cheerfully pelt him with rotten eggs - if we could afford them!

Rhiannon Evans David Street Barry