Oral Answers to Questions

Mike Weir Excerpts

Tuesday 24th January 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

We are taking measures to ensure that work will always pay. On the Labour party’s complaints, I point out that its flagship policy at the last election to increase national insurance contributions for employers would have hit the retail and other sectors very hard.

[Mr Mike Weir (Angus) (SNP)]

3. What recent discussions he has had with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs on the operation of the COP26 process.

[The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David Gauke)]

Ministers have regular meetings to oversee and challenge HMRC business, including the administration of tax credits and the recovery of overpayments.

[Mr Weir]

I am grateful for the Minister’s answer, but does he understand the intense frustration and anger of many of my constituents who repeatedly tell HMRC about errors in tax credits that HMRC does not correct, which subsequently give rise to overpayments? How often can HMRC be allowed to make mistakes and hide behind COP26 to evade any responsibility?