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Alan the Geordie
Da Purple one
2850 Posts |
Posted - 16/06/2008 : 13:09:14
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>>I have a local reporter on the case who should be contacting me this morning.
Any advice on what to do now?<<
Hi Willow
I'm very pleased that you have now got the media on the case. I believe that it is media and MP's involvement that will bring the success you seek.
As for "What to do next" I think you should tell your MP about this latest bit of HMRC foolery and tell him that you have got the media involved. Tell him that you will be informing them not only of HMRC incompetence, but also how helpful he (the MP) has been to you and ask if he would like to make a comment on the matter to the press.
You can also ask him to have a word with Gordon Brown just to test him on his promise to "start listening"!!
I think that the way you are conducting your campaign is excellent and should be a model for other victims to adopt.
"Dave Anderson (Labour) MP for Blaydon rocks!!" |
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Willow
Rank; Hector Tax Inspector
United Kingdom
56 Posts |
 Posted - 16/06/2008 : 16:04:49
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"I think that the way you are conducting your campaign is excellent and should be a model for other victims to adopt."
Thanks Alan - all down to you guys though - your guidance has been the lifesaver in all honesty. I'm bigging up the group/forum all I can and will be adding comments to some of the newspaper articles I've been reading in other posts. 
The reporter called as promised and was very sympathetic to our story and was also aware that media attention can get the results required so I'll keep you all posted. My partner wasn't keen that we approach the media but I've been assured that we can remain anonymous in any stories that appear in the local Chronicle. I was prompted to contact this particular reporter after there was a story last week about another familys' TC nightmare. The family involved were wondering if anyone else was getting the "treatment" from HMRC or if they were the only ones! So for others it's worth looking out for stories in the local papers and the get straight on to the reporter responsible. If anyone is in the Reading area then message me and I'll pass on the name of the reporter - or alternatively look on the front page of last weeks Chronicle - the story is at the top of the page and the reporters name and email is there.
She is also aware of this forum and group (cos I told her about it) and said that she'd looked at the site last night. I've asked her to reference the website if she runs a story.
As for the letter to my MP with your suggested remarks - I'll get on to it straight away.
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Alan the Geordie
Da Purple one
2850 Posts |
Posted - 16/06/2008 : 16:16:22
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Good lass Willow!!!
You're doing very well.
"Dave Anderson (Labour) MP for Blaydon rocks!!" |
Edited by - Alan the Geordie on 16/06/2008 16:17:11 |
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Sarah
Rank; Captain Gordon
247 Posts |
Posted - 16/06/2008 : 23:37:45
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| Well done, Willow. thanks for raising our profile as well as hopefully scoring a good hit on your own case. Great stuff! |
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Willow
Rank; Hector Tax Inspector
United Kingdom
56 Posts |
Posted - 17/06/2008 : 10:53:51
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Got a letter from my MP this morning telling me that he has contacted Richard Summersgill on my behalf raising the matter of my case.
It was obviously worth me reiterating my request that he do something pro-active. Although last time I wrote he replied that he had raised the matter with Alistair Darling I felt that another route might help this come to a speedier conclusion and so wrote straight back thanking him but asking him to contact someone at TCO directly, and good on him, he's taken another route. Thumbs up to my MP. |
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Alan the Geordie
Da Purple one
2850 Posts |
Posted - 17/06/2008 : 11:16:04
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>>It was obviously worth me reiterating my request that he do something pro-active.<<
Yes, I've often thought that sometimes you have to TELL people what you expect them to do.
I'm pleased to see that you've latched-on to this.
I'm wondering if we (TCC) should have some sort of "Letter of Recognition" that we can send to MPs who have been helpful to our members - and another to send to MPs who have not.... ??
"Dave Anderson (Labour) MP for Blaydon rocks!!" |
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whitevanwoman
Rank; Hector Tax Inspector
United Kingdom
65 Posts |
Posted - 17/06/2008 : 18:49:09
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Hang on in there Willow, I know its so hard when days (& weeks) go by with no news, except further demands for payment, I suggest that each time you get a new demand, ring up the Helpline and ask them to make a note on your file that your MP is involved. Keep records of all tel calls etc - it will all help your case in the long run and may mean you can claim some compensation for stress and reimbursement of expenses.
I got your msg, check my thread... x
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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whitevanwoman
Rank; Hector Tax Inspector
United Kingdom
65 Posts |
Posted - 19/06/2008 : 12:09:17
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Hi Willow - I've not posted enough to email or PM you yet, so if you email me your email address I'll email you back x
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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Willow
Rank; Hector Tax Inspector
United Kingdom
56 Posts |
Posted - 20/06/2008 : 11:06:58
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My case got the front page in the Reading Chronicle this week - a lot of space too. My MP also commented on how he has received over 100 letters or calls from constituents in the last 2 years about their own TC nightmares. I dare say that's only from those people who realised that they could involve him. Unfortunately thre's nothing on the newspaper website and the reporter neglected to mention this forum but I'll get her to do a little follow up and make sure you get a mention.
Here's what Robert Wilson MP said, "This is typical of the way the tax credit system is operating. It is chaotic, overly bureacratic and letting down thouseands of hard-pressed fasmilies around the country. It is not only the shock of receiving a substantial bill, it's also the issue of the stress and time it takes to sort out the problem. It's an extra burden that families do not need. The whole system needs to be replaced or overhauled."
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Alan the Geordie
Da Purple one
2850 Posts |
Posted - 20/06/2008 : 11:28:34
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quote:
Originally posted by Willow
My case got the front page in the Reading Chronicle this week - a lot of space too. My MP also commented on how he has received over 100 letters or calls from constituents in the last 2 years about their own TC nightmares. I dare say that's only from those people who realised that they could involve him. Unfortunately thre's nothing on the newspaper website and the reporter neglected to mention this forum but I'll get her to do a little follow up and make sure you get a mention.
Here's what Robert Wilson MP said, "This is typical of the way the tax credit system is operating. It is chaotic, overly bureacratic and letting down thouseands of hard-pressed fasmilies around the country. It is not only the shock of receiving a substantial bill, it's also the issue of the stress and time it takes to sort out the problem. It's an extra burden that families do not need. The whole system needs to be replaced or overhauled."
I'll forward this to my MP Dave Anderson.
I think it's a good idea for everyone else here to forward it to THEIR MPs too!
Let's try to get our MPs united on this!!
"Dave Anderson (Labour) MP for Blaydon rocks!!" |
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Ali M-W
Da Tech(y ones)
3413 Posts |
Posted - 21/06/2008 : 05:34:41
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quote:
Originally posted by Willow
My case got the front page in the Reading Chronicle this week - a lot of space too. My MP also commented on how he has received over 100 letters or calls from constituents in the last 2 years about their own TC nightmares. I dare say that's only from those people who realised that they could involve him. Unfortunately thre's nothing on the newspaper website and the reporter neglected to mention this forum but I'll get her to do a little follow up and make sure you get a mention.
Here's what Robert Wilson MP said, "This is typical of the way the tax credit system is operating. It is chaotic, overly bureacratic and letting down thouseands of hard-pressed fasmilies around the country. It is not only the shock of receiving a substantial bill, it's also the issue of the stress and time it takes to sort out the problem. It's an extra burden that families do not need. The whole system needs to be replaced or overhauled."
Any chance of a copy or link please?
Ali.
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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Willow
Rank; Hector Tax Inspector
United Kingdom
56 Posts |
Posted - 21/06/2008 : 09:19:08
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Do you want me to try and scan a copy and email it or send you a hard copy? There's no link - unfortunately there's nothing on the newspapers website about this story.
I've not heard anything but I did get a random cheque for just over £85 this morning.... |
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whitevanwoman
Rank; Hector Tax Inspector
United Kingdom
65 Posts |
Posted - 21/06/2008 : 09:37:46
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Hi Willow - am going to email you later, promise!
Well done you about hitting your local front page.
Re : your random £85 cheque - about 6 months after I submitted my complaint and involved my MP (2 years ago now) I got a similar cheque for £70 through the post, no explanation, no reference to tax credits. I rang the number on the letter that came with it and after several phone calls, it turned out to be an "ex-gratia payment for delay in dealing with my complaint". I am now wondering whether by accepting that cheque I might have scuppered my chances of claiming back more for compensation for delay etc but since that was now 18 months ago, I should be entitled to more compensation for the past 18 months delay. It might be worth checking what this cheque is for and if it is an ex-gratia payment, and you can afford not to spend it, either hang on to the uncashed cheque or cash it and put the money away so that it can be returned, keeping the hotline and MP informed of what you are doing and why.
The good news is that by receiving this cheque it would imply that something is happening with your claim behind the scenes.
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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TCC Webmaster
Da Purple one
Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
143 Posts |
Posted - 21/06/2008 : 12:09:39
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Hi Willow ...
Would you like the Reading Chronicle story published on our website?
If yes, could you e-mail me (webmaster@taxcc.org) a good scan please?
Thanks .... |
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Willow
Rank; Hector Tax Inspector
United Kingdom
56 Posts |
Posted - 23/06/2008 : 08:37:38
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| Re: the cheque - yes, I wondered about that myself. Story in the paper on Thursday, rang the *Helpline* on Friday to ask them to log that this had happened, Saturday receive the cheque with no letter and an HMRC *compliments slip*, no explanation (surprise surprise). I'll either cash it and stash it, or just keep hold of the cheque. I suppose that I might as well earn the interest off it if nothing else so might cash it and keep all the proofs too. |
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Alan the Geordie
Da Purple one
2850 Posts |
Posted - 23/06/2008 : 12:29:30
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>>I suppose that I might as well earn the interest off it if nothing else so might cash it and keep all the proofs too.<<
Good thinking. That's exactly what I would do too.
It's good to see that you're getting the hang of this!! ;)
"Dave Anderson (Labour) MP for Blaydon rocks!!" |
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Willow
Rank; Hector Tax Inspector
United Kingdom
56 Posts |
Posted - 24/06/2008 : 08:48:44
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| I've just had an interesting phone call with the *Helpline* about the cheque I received at the weekend. According to my household notes it's a manual CTC payment for 07/08. The notes also say "Overpayment remitted, official error", and it looks like new claim is being set up. Let's see if the postman delivers anything that confirms this. I'm cautiously optimistic that your fabulous advice (everyone that has responded to this thread thank you SO much!) has resulted in success. I'll confirm this as soon as I get more tangible information. |
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Alan the Geordie
Da Purple one
2850 Posts |
Posted - 24/06/2008 : 11:37:11
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Hi Willow
Make sure that you DO get WRITTEN confirmation of a write-off/victory.
Search the forum for postings from our Friend chrisp. He was told - and so was his MP - that errors had been made & he had been granted a write-off.
Unfortunately - and despite asking for - he never received written confirmation. Now, surprise surprise, they are after him again and they have no record of any write-off!!
Be alert!! (your country needs lerts!)
"Dave Anderson (Labour) MP for Blaydon rocks!!" |
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Willow
Rank; Hector Tax Inspector
United Kingdom
56 Posts |
Posted - 24/06/2008 : 19:06:01
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| I saw Chrisps' posts today actually - letters will be written and replies expected and no victory cries heard until I'm completely sure that everything has been sorted properly. |
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Ali M-W
Da Tech(y ones)
3413 Posts |
Posted - 24/06/2008 : 19:23:32
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quote:
Originally posted by Willow
I've just had an interesting phone call with the *Helpline* about the cheque I received at the weekend. According to my household notes it's a manual CTC payment for 07/08. The notes also say "Overpayment remitted, official error", and it looks like new claim is being set up. Let's see if the postman delivers anything that confirms this. I'm cautiously optimistic that your fabulous advice (everyone that has responded to this thread thank you SO much!) has resulted in success. I'll confirm this as soon as I get more tangible information.
WOW!
Perhaps this is your reward for going to all the trouble of talking to your local paper about your tax credit injustices and, by so doing, raising the profile of this issue? Certainly good for your karma.
Well done for an excellent front page local news article (anonymous, too, for anyone reading this who doesn't want to 'go public' about how Brown and HMRC have mugged and robbed them!)
Do all consider following suit. And if you can plug 'Tax Credit Casualties' by dropping this into a quote, eg. saying if we've been helpful, and mentioning our website at www.taxCC.org, so much the better!
Willow weeps no more!!!!!
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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