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29/10/2012
Child Benefit Cuts 'Excruciatingly Difficult'
Welfare reform measures which will see one million letters sent to UK households regarding child benefit cuts have been described by Nick Clegg as "excruciatingly difficult".
Households in which at least one person earns more than £50,000 are to have the benefit reduced or stopped.
As many as 500,000 parents may have to complete self-assessment tax forms.
Mr Clegg told an audience that "we don't expect them to welcome this" and said many of the families who would have benefits cut would be "people who do not feel wealthy".
Child benefit currently stands at £20.30 a week for the first child and £13.40 for each child after that.
But according to the new measures, the families targeted by the cuts will have their benefit reduced on a sliding scale and will lose the benefit entirely when earning over £60,000.
The change is expected to cost families with three children and at least one parent earning more than £60,000 about £2,450 a year.
A poll has been released by Conservatives which shows 82% of the public support the plans while 13% oppose it.
A Treasury spokesman, responding to the poll, said: "In a period when the government is having to reduce welfare spending, it is very difficult to justify continuing to pay for the child benefit of the wealthiest 15% of families in society.
"The unprecedented scale of the deficit has meant that the government has had to make tough choices to reduce public spending; but we have always been clear that those with the broadest shoulders should carry the greatest burden."
(IT)
Households in which at least one person earns more than £50,000 are to have the benefit reduced or stopped.
As many as 500,000 parents may have to complete self-assessment tax forms.
Mr Clegg told an audience that "we don't expect them to welcome this" and said many of the families who would have benefits cut would be "people who do not feel wealthy".
Child benefit currently stands at £20.30 a week for the first child and £13.40 for each child after that.
But according to the new measures, the families targeted by the cuts will have their benefit reduced on a sliding scale and will lose the benefit entirely when earning over £60,000.
The change is expected to cost families with three children and at least one parent earning more than £60,000 about £2,450 a year.
A poll has been released by Conservatives which shows 82% of the public support the plans while 13% oppose it.
A Treasury spokesman, responding to the poll, said: "In a period when the government is having to reduce welfare spending, it is very difficult to justify continuing to pay for the child benefit of the wealthiest 15% of families in society.
"The unprecedented scale of the deficit has meant that the government has had to make tough choices to reduce public spending; but we have always been clear that those with the broadest shoulders should carry the greatest burden."
(IT)
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30 October 2006
Campaign to crack down on benefit cheats launched
The government has launched a campaign which aims to crack down on benefit cheats. The 'No Ifs, No Buts' campaign stresses the message that there are no excuses for committing benefit fraud. It is estimated that almost £1 billion was lost last year through benefit fraud, compared to £2 billion in 2001.
Campaign to crack down on benefit cheats launched
The government has launched a campaign which aims to crack down on benefit cheats. The 'No Ifs, No Buts' campaign stresses the message that there are no excuses for committing benefit fraud. It is estimated that almost £1 billion was lost last year through benefit fraud, compared to £2 billion in 2001.
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'Claim Teen Students' Benefits, Says HMRC
Parents of teens who are carrying on with full time education next term need to act fast to ensure they continue to receive child benefits. The parents of any 16-year-olds who are remaining in education by full-time means will be entitled to claim and should let HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) know so that their child benefit doesn't stop in September.
'Claim Teen Students' Benefits, Says HMRC
Parents of teens who are carrying on with full time education next term need to act fast to ensure they continue to receive child benefits. The parents of any 16-year-olds who are remaining in education by full-time means will be entitled to claim and should let HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) know so that their child benefit doesn't stop in September.
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Customs Lose Seized Cocaine
'Contraband' that went missing from a secure lock-up after being seized by customs officers has now turned out to be cocaine. Police were called in after 1.5kg (3.3lbs) of the drug went missing from a HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) depot near to Coventry airport.
Customs Lose Seized Cocaine
'Contraband' that went missing from a secure lock-up after being seized by customs officers has now turned out to be cocaine. Police were called in after 1.5kg (3.3lbs) of the drug went missing from a HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) depot near to Coventry airport.
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More Than 6,000 Driver Details Lost
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency NI has lost personal details of more than 66,000 drivers in Northern Ireland, it has been reported. It is understood that the names and addresses of the motorists were contained on two computer discs, which have gone missing, along with vehicle registration marks, chassis numbers, makes and colours.
More Than 6,000 Driver Details Lost
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency NI has lost personal details of more than 66,000 drivers in Northern Ireland, it has been reported. It is understood that the names and addresses of the motorists were contained on two computer discs, which have gone missing, along with vehicle registration marks, chassis numbers, makes and colours.
21 November 2007
Fraud Alert For 25m As Child Benefit Data Lost
The loss 'in the post' of computer discs with 25m people's personal details on them has led to a major fraud alert across the UK. The child benefit data on them includes names, ages, bank and address details. Questions are alreay being asked whether Alistair Darling "is up to the job" of chancellor.
Fraud Alert For 25m As Child Benefit Data Lost
The loss 'in the post' of computer discs with 25m people's personal details on them has led to a major fraud alert across the UK. The child benefit data on them includes names, ages, bank and address details. Questions are alreay being asked whether Alistair Darling "is up to the job" of chancellor.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
