'Sense' pledge over payment of tax credits

Some people who left it until the last minute before last weekend's deadline were unable to get through because the lines were so busy, even though extra advisers being brought in.

HM Revenue and Customs said it would take a "common-sense" approach to renewals and payments would not automatically stop if people were unable to get through.

"What we are saying is we will adopt a common-sense approach to make sure payments do not stop if an application was made around this time," a spokesman said.

"We are not going to automatically say no if someone can genuinely say they did try and couldn't get through.

"We're not automatically going to refuse the request if we feel

somebody has made the effort."

Anyone whose renewal pack – sent out in April – contained just an annual renew notice only needed to check the information was correct and alert HM Revenue and Customs if there were any errors or changes in circumstances.

Those who were asked to complete an annual declaration form were able to return it by post. Payments are supposed to stop if HM Revenue and Customs does not receive the information.