HEREFORD MP DISMAYED OVER TAX CREDIT & BENEFITS BLUNDERS

11.47.51pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 26th Jul 2007

Local MP, Paul Keetch, is dismayed but not surprised to learn that complaints about tax credits amounted to a quarter of all those received by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, according to its annual report.

Commenting, the MP said, "The government's record on tax credits in my constituency alone is a disgrace. It is not surprising then to learn that nationally the number of complaints referred on to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman from MP's offices accounts for a quarter of all those received."

Paul Keetch believes that it is important to keep in close touch with residents in the constituency and does so through holding open Advice Surgeries and inviting people to contact him by phone, mail and email.

"Of all the issues which local people raise with me, the appalling tax credit system is one which remains prevalent, especially at this time of year when renewals are made, new award notices generated and the failings of the system subsequently highlighted through the massive overpayments which come to light," the MP said.

The Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate Sarah Carr added, "The government's shambolic tax credit system leads to uncertainty for many families in Herefordshire. Local people frequently approach me about their tax credit woes. I support Paul Keetch in his call for a simple system of fixed term awards of six months so that families know what they are getting and get what they are entitled to."

Sarah Carr continues, "It is not only the number of complaints against the Tax Credit system which paint a picture of a benefits system riddled with incompetence. The high levels of complaints also made against the Child Support Agency and Jobcentre Plus, both locally and nationally, reinforce the government's flaws in this area."

Paul Keetch MP adds, "I fully support the notion that we need to radically rethink how we administer benefits if we are to create a welfare system fit for the 21st century."