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whitevanwoman
Rank; Hector Tax Inspector
United Kingdom
65 Posts |
 Posted - 20/07/2008 : 11:52:14
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I thought it might be useful to add some links to other organisations that I've found useful for finding out information, not only to do with tax credits but with other benefits advice etc.
Below is a link to the Disability Alliance home page;
http://www.disabilityalliance.org/index.htm
About Disability Alliance
Disability Alliance is a national registered charity with the principal aim of relieving the poverty and improving the living standards of disabled people. Our eventual aim is to break the link between poverty and disability.
We provide information on social security benefits and tax credits to disabled people, their families, carers and professional advisers; undertake research into the needs of disabled people, with particular emphasis on income needs and promote a wider understanding of the views and circumstances of all disabled people.
I don't think you can be an individual member (membership is for groups & organisations) but there is some useful information on the website which you can download and there is a specific page for tax credits here : http://www.disabilityalliance.org/credits.htm
Instructions for life:
1.breathe in
2.breathe out
3.repeat ad infinitum
"Realise that if you have time to whine and complain about something then you have the time to do something about it" (Anthony d'Angelo)
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Red Rocket
Rank; Captain Gordon
United Kingdom
223 Posts |
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jess
Da Purple one
United Kingdom
51 Posts |
Posted - 23/07/2008 : 21:14:23
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Thanks Red & WVW, good links.
And here's another - Tax Aid : http://www.taxaid.org.uk/index.cfm
TaxAid is a UK charity providing free tax advice to people who cannot afford to pay a professional adviser. The service is independent and confidential.
Who can we help?
Anyone on a low income - whether employed, self-employed, retired or on benefits - who cannot afford to pay for professional advice.
Staff in advice agencies to help them advise their clients on tax issues
Tax professionals - giving pro bono advice
How can we help you?
We can help you understand your rights and responsibilities under the UK tax system, including the information HM Revenue and Customs have sent you about your tax, on matters such as PAYE, self assessment, tax credits and allowances, and tax for the self-employed.
We can also help you if you are worried because you are the subject of an HM Revenue and Customs enquiry; you cannot pay your tax and may be facing legal proceedings for non-payment; you think you should get a tax refund; or you feel you are being unfairly treated by the HM Revenue and Customs. All TaxAid advisers are qualified tax professionals.
What else do we do?
Promote public understanding of tax
Press for a simpler and fairer tax system
Run conferences for the tax profession
TaxAid® is the operating name of TaxAid UK a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity in England and Wales. Charity Reg. No: 1062852 Company registered in England No: 3374001 Address: Room 304, Linton House, 164-180 Union Street, London SE1 0LH
Jess
All Human Beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, not to attacks upon his honor and reputation. Everyone has the right to protection of the law against such interference or attacks
Articles 1 and 12 Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948.
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Ali M-W
Da Tech(y ones)
3296 Posts |
Posted - 09/09/2008 : 07:01:41
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Don't let's forget the LITRG, with their home page found here:
http://www.litrg.org.uk/
...and their most recent article shows that HMRC is still misleading people about their entitlement:
http://www.litrg.org.uk/news/latest.cfm?id=584
Trinity: The answer is out there… and it's looking for you, and it will find you if you want it to.
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Ali M-W
Da Tech(y ones)
3296 Posts |
Posted - 10/10/2008 : 06:50:35
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Thought it might be useful for any 'third sector' visitors(ie. from voluntary organisations) to this thread to hear about claimants' day-to-day experiences... so please visit our new 'Diary of the Damned' blog here: http://taxcc.blogspot.com
All contributions welcome from tax credit overpayment victims and those struggling to receive their correct entitlements!
Morpheus: They are the gatekeepers, they are guarding all the doors and holding all the keys.
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whitevanwoman
Rank; Hector Tax Inspector
United Kingdom
65 Posts |
Posted - 22/10/2008 : 23:41:30
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There is a new thread on the MoneySavingExpert(Martin Lewis)forum entitled Disability and Dosh, here's the link:
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.html?f=155
Instructions for life:
1.breathe in
2.breathe out
3.repeat ad infinitum
"Realise that if you have time to whine and complain about something then you have the time to do something about it" (Anthony d'Angelo) |
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Ali M-W
Da Tech(y ones)
3296 Posts |
Posted - 30/10/2008 : 08:43:13
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Not sure if trade unions count as 'third sector', but you may want to see Motion 100, which was taken to UNISON's National Delegates Conference last June. Although we never had the chance, along with the vast majority of Motions submitted, to move and debate it, we are coming up to the union's deadline next year for responding to it. Let's hope the NEC does support it when they next look at it,and I would ask all UNISON members visiting this forum to make enquiries via their own Branch as to its fate!
http://www.taxcc.org/UNISON%20NDC%202008%20Motion%20100.htm#100.______TAX_CREDIT_OVERPAYMENT_-_UNFAIR_CLAWBACK_OF_PAYMENTS_
Morpheus: They are the gatekeepers, they are guarding all the doors and holding all the keys.
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Ali M-W
Da Tech(y ones)
3296 Posts |
Posted - 20/11/2008 : 18:23:46
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Okay, maybe a bit cheeky putting it on this thread, but hey, it's a good contact and supporter of TCC and at least it's prominent here:
Poverty
"Tax Credit Casualties"
MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE USE
19 November 2008
Tax Credit Casualties Addressing Child Poverty
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation recently published a report stating that child poverty costs at least £25billion each year in losses to the Exchequer and in reduced GDP.
Thanks to the intervention of Tax Credit Casualties, just the last 33 cases they have progressed to write-off have saved those claimants £152,900 – which in turn has saved the Exchequer, as every pound saved for claimants by Tax Credit Casualties helps to reduce child poverty.
Paula Dean, Tax Credit Casualties' award-winning case worker, said: 'We will continue to help claimants fight cases where they believe overpayments were caused by HMRC's errors and we will continue to fight for an amnesty on all such overpayments. It is not in the best interest of our society to seek to recover these overpayments when recovery means children will suffer poverty. And from the work of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation it is clearly not in the interest of the public purse to push these families back into poverty.'
Tax Credit Casualties work to address child poverty by helping the victims of tax credit overpayments know their rights, and fight recovery of overpayments which are not the claimants' fault. The errors are often caused by software problems, HMRC operator error and faults inherent to the tax credit system itself. Our work helps families on low incomes having to choose between putting food on the table or shoes on their children’s feet, by repaying a debt they didn’t cause and are not responsible for.
Paula also said: "We encourage anyone else who finds themselves in this or a similar situation with tax credits to contact us via our website address which is www.TaxCC.org"
For further information contact:
Sarah McCall
National Coordinator
07947439959 (out of hours included)
Note to editors: Full details of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation's report can be found at http://www.jrf.org.uk/pressroom/releases/231008.asp
Tax Credit Casualties
www.TaxCC.org
Tax does have to be taxing.
HMRC Is ****e (www.hmrcis****e.com), also available via the domain www.hmrconline.com, is brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"
Good old Ken Frost!
Morpheus: They are the gatekeepers, they are guarding all the doors and holding all the keys.
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Ali M-W
Da Tech(y ones)
3296 Posts |
Posted - 20/11/2008 : 18:27:11
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I think there should be a 'recently' inserted there, though - as we have way more than 33 successes to date. Those are recent ones since proper recording took place, and those who have been in contact to say 'thanks'. Now, everyone, go win your own cases and let's double that figure in the next 6 months!
On no account please repay so much as a penny if deep down you knew you did nothing wrong (being misled by HMRC really doesn't count).
Morpheus: They are the gatekeepers, they are guarding all the doors and holding all the keys.
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Ali M-W
Da Tech(y ones)
3296 Posts |
Posted - 20/12/2008 : 12:14:32
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Thanks to Robert, here's a handy link:
"Anyway found this link on Rights Net.. http://www.rightsnet.org.uk/toolkit_1356-6108-1698.html
Some good info on there and lists promises given by the tax Credit office to fully answer questions.and how you can get your award looked at under the old COP rules.."
Trinity: No one has ever done anything like this.
Neo: That's why it's going to work.
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Ali M-W
Da Tech(y ones)
3296 Posts |
Posted - 29/12/2008 : 06:34:18
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Whooo! Thanks to our Third Sector Liaison Officer Jess, we've now got a link to the Martin Lewis Moneysavingexpert Website which has masses of forum members and visitors! See
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=708669
Thanks, Jess!
Trinity: No one has ever done anything like this.
Neo: That's why it's going to work.
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Ali M-W
Da Tech(y ones)
3296 Posts |
Posted - 29/12/2008 : 06:37:27
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I'm also liaising with the Consumer Action Group (which stops the banks from overcharging and getting away with it)to see if we can help each other in some way.
Do keep your eyes and ears open, folks, for other relevant sites we can approach. We've had over 68,000 unique hits to our main website since recording began, but we can easily double this with a bit more publicity.
Let's make 2009 the Year of Tax Credit Amnesty!
Trinity: No one has ever done anything like this.
Neo: That's why it's going to work.
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Ali M-W
Da Tech(y ones)
3296 Posts |
Posted - 12/01/2009 : 06:31:41
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Working Families is another organisation giving advice and support about tax credits, and there is a Tax Credit Estimator here: http://www.workingfamilies.org.uk/asp/calculator/
They say: For information and advice about Tax Credits, rights at work and maternity and paternity rights see Working Families' website at www.workingfamilies.org.uk or call our free legal helpline on 0800 013 0313, e-mail edads@workingfamilies.org.uk or text your question to 07800 00 4722.
I'm hoping some joint working is possible, as they also help claimants with overpayments, so we have common ground. I'm now in contact, and am awaiting a response.
Trinity: No one has ever done anything like this.
Neo: That's why it's going to work.
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jess
Da Purple one
United Kingdom
51 Posts |
 Posted - 29/01/2009 : 23:43:23
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The UK insolvency helpline - A free, independent and impartial debt advice service www.insolvencyhelpline.co.uk
There is masses and masses of info on this website about all sorts of debt problems - well worth a look.
The link below takes you to their "Bailiff Guide - know your rights"
http://www.insolvencyhelpline.co.uk/debt_basics/bailiff-guide.php
All Human Beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, not to attacks upon his honor and reputation. Everyone has the right to protection of the law against such interference or attacks
Articles 1 and 12 Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948.
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Ali M-W
Da Tech(y ones)
3296 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2009 : 09:57:13
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There was an interesting programme recently by "Watchdog" on the underhand tactics used by Debt Collecting agencies - who buy "debts" off firms without understanding any of the background to them or the justice or otherwise of them - and the next step is for TCC to contact "Watchdog". The tactics they deplore in the heavy-armed Debt Collecting brigade are ALL used by HMRC! Right from lack of explanation to court threats and marking people's credit history! And how these firms often pursue debts which aren't actually genuine debts! I hope in time that we will get "Watchdog" on board. Anyone with tales to tell of harsh HMRC recovery action can contact me on ali@taxCC.org and if you would be happy to feature in "Watchdog" if they do decide to look into this, it would be helpful to hear! Thanks - Ali.
Trinity: No one has ever done anything like this.
Neo: That's why it's going to work.
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jess
Da Purple one
United Kingdom
51 Posts |
Posted - 02/02/2009 : 18:17:04
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The following is an excerpt from a letter sent to my local newspaper in November 2008 :
"... there will still be vulnerable people in the region who have found themselves with debts that are out of control and in some extreme cases facing home repossession. Other people are not claiming the benefits or tax credits that could make all the difference to their monthly income.
We can help. At the Legal Services Commission we want everyone to have fair access to justice, so we run Community Legal Advice, a free, impartial and confidential advice service paid for by legal aid.
People on a low income or benefits can call our helpline on 0845 3454345 or log on to www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk for independent advice on a range of legal problems.
I would urge anyone facing legal problems as a result of the current economic crisis to get in touch with us and see how we can help.
Yours
Peter Nelson
Regional Director, Legal Services Commission, Great Bridgewater Street, Manchester"
All Human Beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, not to attacks upon his honor and reputation. Everyone has the right to protection of the law against such interference or attacks
Articles 1 and 12 Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948.
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auntieh
Rank; Really should become a politician
United Kingdom
619 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2009 : 20:40:58
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quote:
Originally posted by Ali M-W
There was an interesting programme recently by "Watchdog" on the underhand tactics used by Debt Collecting agencies - who buy "debts" off firms without understanding any of the background to them or the justice or otherwise of them - and the next step is for TCC to contact "Watchdog". The tactics they deplore in the heavy-armed Debt Collecting brigade are ALL used by HMRC! Right from lack of explanation to court threats and marking people's credit history! And how these firms often pursue debts which aren't actually genuine debts! I hope in time that we will get "Watchdog" on board. Anyone with tales to tell of harsh HMRC recovery action can contact me on ali@taxCC.org and if you would be happy to feature in "Watchdog" if they do decide to look into this, it would be helpful to hear! Thanks - Ali.
Trinity: No one has ever done anything like this.
Neo: That's why it's going to work.
Hi Ali
Watchdog ran some items in the early days of TCredits. I have emailed them several times through their website reminding them of this and telling them about the problems that still exist, TCC etc. However, i have never had a response.
Auntie
"You can dress a pig in a suit but you can't stop it grunting" |
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Ali M-W
Da Tech(y ones)
3296 Posts |
Posted - 25/02/2009 : 07:46:32
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Right, folks, after days of trying, our Webmaster has managed to get our Justice is an Amnesty campaign onto Labourspace:
The campaign page can be found from the link below, and ‘voters’ have to register before they are allowed to vote:
http://www.labourspace.com/view_campaign?CampaignId=125
Please register and add your comments, as well as giving our campaign the "thumbs up"!
Trinity: No one has ever done anything like this.
Neo: That's why it's going to work.
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Alan the Geordie
Da Purple one
2786 Posts |
Posted - 25/02/2009 : 11:00:55
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I registered.
Comments will follow !
"The best way to take control over a people and control them utterly is to take a little of their freedom at a time, to erode rights by a thousand tiny and almost imperceptible
reductions. In this way the people will not see those rights and freedoms being removed until past the point at which these changes cannot be reversed."
Adolf Hitler |
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Ali M-W
Da Tech(y ones)
3296 Posts |
Posted - 04/03/2009 : 08:08:06
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Thanks, Alan. It's really important that all our members vote in support of our "Justice is an Amnesty" campaign on the Labourspace site. This is regardless of whether you may support Labour or not. At the end of the closing period the winning campaign receives attention from the goverment. We seem to be at number two, and are only a few votes away from the top spot. This is something so easy to do yet potentially a massive campaign boost. Please do it now - and tell your family and friends! Help us to win. Thanks.
Please vote to bring our 'Justice is an Amnesty' campaign to the government’s attention, and ask all your friends to do the same!
http://www.labourspace.com/view_campaign?CampaignId=125
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Ali M-W
Da Tech(y ones)
3296 Posts |
Posted - 10/03/2009 : 16:40:54
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"Watchdog" has produced a template letter for people to use when hounded for an alleged debt yet lacking any clear explanation of how it arose. I am thinking that it could be used or adapted by Tax Credit Casualties who have received demands for repayments without any clear explanation of how the so-called debt arose?
If there are laws and regulatory bodies preventing debt collection agencies from hounding the innocent without even offering any adequate explanation of how the alleged debt was incurred, should it not also be the same for Tax Credit victims?
It's here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/watchdog/consumer_advice/pdf/debt.pdf
We will continue to contact them to expose how HMRC 'debt' collectors operate, but any members who want to support us in this are also welcome to encourage "Watchdog" to extend their coverage of ruthless debt collectors to HMRC's approach to overpaid tax credit claimants, as the more who ask, the more we are likely to get the exposure we need to get this national fiasco back on the agenda.
Please vote to bring our 'Justice is an Amnesty' campaign to the government’s attention, and ask all your friends to do the same!
http://www.labourspace.com/view_campaign?CampaignId=125
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useful links to other organisations
