Derry Sinn Fein meet with DHSS/Concentrix over Tax Credits ‘crisis’

Sinn Féin has met with the DHSS in Derry to discuss what they described as the “crisis created by bureaucratic decisions to summarily withhold tax credit entitlements.”

The also met with Concentrix to raise concerns over its handling of benefit assessments and payments.Tax Credits Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney said the meetings were held following a number of concerns raised with Sinn Fein about the financial distress being caused to claimants over the way in which the Tax Credit issue was being handled by both HMRC and Concentrix. Mr McCartney said: “At the meeting with the DHSS in Derry we raised queries around how the DHSS might be able to ease the hardship faced by people due to cuts in their Tax Credits. “We asked the DHSS to take into consideration the financial difficulty being created with people’s payments being delayed and stopped.

“We alsochighlighted the difficulties caused when people are getting money paid into their account on a regular basis, have budgeted it out, and all of a sudden it stops. “The DHSS, who have no role in Tax Credits, have advised us that they would discuss the matter with the view of being considerate in terms of discretion that they can apply to those who present themselves to them.

“They also pointed out that people may qualify for aid in the shape of a crisis loan even if they are not on benefits. “One of the outcomes of our meeting with Concentrix’s on Monday was the establishment of a direct line with our constituency office to look at cases raised with us were people are in serious difficulties.” Mr McCartney concluded: “Sinn Féin believes that the assessment process for payments should not be outsourced into the hands of the private sector.”