Lorely Burt MP calls on Tax Credit Overpayment Families to Complain to Ombudsman

5.22.34pm GMT Wed 16th Nov 2005

Solihull MP Lorely Burt has called on anyone who has had a tax credit overpayment arising from official error to contact her so that she can take the complaint to the Parliamentary Ombudsman. In Solihull constituency up to one third of families on tax credit have had an overpayment since 2003.

"Over the last few weeks, it has become quite clear that Government Ministers are behaving in a grossly complacent way over the recovery of tax credit over-payments" said Lorely Burt, the local member of parliament for Solihull. "They are recklessly ignoring the clear statement by the Parliamentary Ombudsman that automatic recovery of tax credit over-payments is 'systemic maladministration'.

"The time has come for everyone who has had an overpayment to put pressure on the Government to act fairly and responsibly" argued Mrs Burt. "If you have had an overpayment contact my office and we will look to refer your complaint to the Ombudsman.

"Because of the Ombudsman's statement, it is likely that she will uphold a complaint of maladministration in each and every case, purely on the grounds that the tax credit was recovered automatically" added Lorely. "You can contact me at my Constituency Office on 0121 706 9593 or by email to lorely@lorelyburt.org.uk."