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Ali M-W
Da Tech(y ones)
3296 Posts |
Posted - 14/06/2008 : 10:35:18
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Yeah, great fun, aren't they!
And, for anyone new around here who might have missed it, here's what fuss is all about:
Tax Credit Casualties take 'Voices of the Victims' to Westminster
On Monday 9th June - the day that Gordon Brown stated that "Tax Credits have been a success" – representatives from user support and campaign group Tax Credit Casualties returned to Westminster to campaign against his 'success' in bringing debt, misery, turmoil and HMRC oppression to up to two million families a year since Tax Credits were introduced in 2003.
This week, Tax Credit Casualties returned to Westminster, to launch 'Voices of the Victims' - the booklet written by Tax Credit overpayment victims. Not a 'selection' of the 'juiciest' stories, but a collection of tragic and heartbreaking truths that we collated on a first-come basis. It’s the first piece of user-led qualitative research on Tax Credit overpayment and brings together nearly 40 cases in the victims’ own words. The victims who volunteered their stories for inclusion in the booklet showed tremendous courage, recounting harrowing tales of stress-related illness, life-changing devastation, bungling bureaucracy and tenacity as they fought for a measure of justice in a biased and punitive system.
Travelling from all corners of the country, TCC national coordinators started the day by meeting with tax lawyers Patrick Way and Hui Ling McCarthy, to discuss the potential of bringing a court case against HMRC. While Hui Ling and Patrick have generously offered their very valuable time and expertise, by working to represent us on a pro bono basis, we need to be able to guarantee funds to cover costs in the event of any court judgement going against us. TCC left the meeting determined to accelerate fundraising, and raise back-up funds to take the campaign forward.
The launch of 'Voices of the Victims' was held at Portcullis House, just across the road from the Houses of Parliament. TCC national coordinators Sarah, Ali, Paula and the Webmaster were well supported by a good turnout of loyal TCC members, with official attendees including MPs, prospective parliamentary candidates and representatives from SPAN and One Parent Families. The press were represented by reporters from The Daily Mail, The Daily Express and the Press Association.
After the national coordinators had introduced 'Voices of the Victims' and the case for an amnesty with a series of short speeches, copies of the booklet were distributed. Although well received, the true impact of 'Voices' will not be felt until people have had the chance to fully digest its content and recognise how typical of claimant experiences these stories truly are.
There was then a question and answer section, after which a number of attendees took the opportunity to thank us - a lot of support was expressed for the work TCC do, and many MPs and candidates made suggestions for action.
TCC would like to thank every MP and Parliamentary Candidate who attended, or sent representatives on their behalf. Thanks must go, too, to the many MPs who sent their apologies for not being able to attend, but requested copies of the booklet. We look forward to counting on your future support.
The only disappointment of the day was being unable to deliver a copy of 'Voices of the Victims' to 10 Downing Street. Whilst we are sure Gordon Brown would benefit from reading 'Voices', we were declined permission. John Hemming MP kindly offered to deliver a copy on TCC's behalf, along with the TCC’s Amnesty Petition.
Special thanks must go to Fareham MP Mark Hoban (Conservative), and Portsmouth North Parliamentary Candidate Penny Mordaunt and Hilsea Councillor Alistair Thompson (Conservatives) for assistance with organising the event and logistics, without which we could not have done it. We would also particularly like to thank all the members of TCC who gave up their time to come along and give their support. The day was a huge success and a big step forward.
To download and read 'Voices of the Victims' for yourself, please visit http://www.taxcc.org/_docs/Voices%20of%20the%20Victims.pdf
Tax Credit Casualties
www.TaxCC.org
Feel free to pass this letter on as widely as you like - MPs, Press, Charity contacts, friends, family etc. so that word reaches all it should!
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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Edited by - Ali M-W on 14/06/2008 10:39:17 |
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towers of power tour 2 or is it 3 (too tired)
