Families not told of benefit changes

“Extensive” media activity is being employed to inform people of the imminent changes to child benefit, the Government said, as it emerged almost a third of families affected by the new means-tested rules had not been contacted.

By The Newsroom

Published 4th Jan 2013, 06:00 BST

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) said it had written to nearly 800,000 people known to be affected by the previously announced alterations which come into force on Monday.

It estimated 1.1 million will be affected by the move, but HMRC had been unable to contact everyone as it held incomplete data on some customers following changes to their income, relationship status or address. It added that those affected would need to complete self-assessment returns.

The comments came as warnings were voiced from some quarters that the new system and its implications for certain taxpayers could catch people off guard.

Under the new rules, families where one parent earns between £50,000 and £60,000 will have their child benefit reduced on a sliding scale, and stand to lose the benefit completely when a parent is earning over £60,000.

Government HM Revenue and Customs