Child Benefit U-Turn Welcome, But More Needed – Dáire Hughes MP

Sinn Féin MP for Newry and Armagh, Dáire Hughes, has welcomed HMRC’s U-turn in the issuing of letters suspending Child Benefit payments to families that have done nothing wrong. 

Dáire Hughes MP said;

“We welcome HMRC’s change of approach, recognising the staggering failure of their practices and their commitment to reinstate Child Benefit payments to affected families.

“However, HMRC must immediately reinstate all payments, guarantee back payments and ensure this never happens again. 

“This u-turn and the volume of letters issued in error reinforce what we have said from the outset: the British government is out of touch with life in the north of Ireland and is making policy with no regard for people here. 

“These families should never have had their Child Benefit suspended. HMRC’s failed practices caused undue stress to people in the midst of a cost of living crisis. 

“The British government must use this opportunity to correct these errors permanently, make sure their policies are fit for purpose and ensure these failures never threaten families again. If you have received one of these letters in error, please speak to your local Sinn Féin representative. 

CRÍOCH/ ENDS