Tax Credits, Allowances and Benefits Not Claimed

LITRG has joined forces with a group of charities, led by Citizens Advice, to challenge the Government over £16 billion of unclaimed benefits – including Tax Credits.

People are Missing Out on Valuable Entitlements

In these hard times it is essential that those with the greatest need should claim what they are entitled to. Part of LITRG’s work is to identify where taxpayers and potential Tax Credits claimants miss out on claims or entitlements. This can be for a number of reasons, including: total ignorance of an allowance; unfamiliarity with the eligibility criteria of a benefit; perceived stigma; or reluctance to engage with what they see to be complex processes or unsympathetic departments. 

Problems in the System

Over the years we have identified “official” misinformation that creates the impression of ineligibility. We have also criticised local or national government departments that fail to take opportunities to join up for the benefit of the citizen. 

The New Campaign

Given the above background, we are pleased to be amongst the 27 charities supporting a campaign – led by Citizens Advice – to press the Government to introduce ambitious take-up targets as a means of prompting delivery of a better service for all. 

If this challenge is picked up, it needs a response which breaks down the barriers between government departments.

The press release from Citizens Advice is available in full on their website at Charities Challenge Government over £16bn Unclaimed Benefits.

Article Added Thursday, 04 February 2010

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