John Hemming MP has slammed the Paymaster General for not responding to proposals for improving the Tax Credit System

4.03.00pm GMT Fri 22nd Jul 2005

John Hemming, MP for Birmingham Yardley

John Hemming Liberal Democrat MP for Birmingham Yardley has slammed the Paymaster General for not responding to proposals for improving the Tax Credit System. He said "Everyone accepts that the Tax Credits system has substantial problems, and that misery is being caused to many citizens. I am amazed, therefore, that when a practical suggestion is made for improving the system that the government's response is to say nothing."

John Hemming is an experienced IT Consultant with many years experience in implementing effective administrative systems. His proposals involve the simple step of agreeing the rate of repayment with people who have been overpaid tax credit before taking the money off them.

"The simple fact is", he said, "that an Employer who acted the way the government is would be breaking the law. Under the 1996 Employment Rights act an Employer needs to discuss the rate at which overpaid salary is deducted. It is a simple step for the government do to the same. This would prevent the government making people destitute."