Have your tax credits been unfairly stopped?
Help needed after Concentrix tax credit problems, 3for2 Argos toys, 40% off La Redoute, FREE eye tests and cheapest iPads.These are our Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis’ Deals of the Week.
Remember, deals can change quickly, even while I’m on the programme. So always double-check the terms and conditions before spending. Plus, while I hope these deals will save you cash, don’t spend if you can’t afford it, don’t need it, or won’t use it.
The Concentrix tax credit fiasco what to do if you were hit
Concentrix is a US firm that was hired by HMRC to identify any tax credit fraud and errors. Its operations meant many people had their tax credits stopped out of the blue, and leaving many in terrible trouble – my mailbag has been swamped with people who were hit. Concentrix argues it did everything it was asked to do and that the problem is with HMRC. However HMRC last week announced it won’t renew Concentrix’s contract and is bringing in extra staff to deal with the problems.
This has had an enormous impact on people’s lives, for example someone tweeted me “@MartinSLewis I haven't had a tax credit payment in three weeks because of Concentrix! I have 3 young kids and we're all suffering!”
HMRC says those who've had their tax credits stopped will have their cases prioritised and processed as quickly as possible. It also says if you can prove your credits were wrongly stopped, you'll be given backdated payments – and these will be paid in one lump sum, rather than spread over a number of months as some have previously found.
So if your tax credits are stopped and you don’t agree with the decision you should…
Ask HMRC to reconsider Concentrix's decisionThis is technically called a 'mandatory reconsideration' – they used to be done by Concentrix itself, but now you go to HMRC. You've 30 days from being notified of changes unless there are exceptional circumstances (eg, being in hospital).
Still unhappy? Appeal furtherYou can go to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal in England, Scotland or Wales. You must fill in and return a form, along with a copy of your mandatory reconsideration notice, usually within a month of receiving it.
If you already started an appeal through Concentrix earlier, HMRC have now taken these on, so you contact them on 03453003900 or use its webchat service to get an update. If you’re unhappy with HMRC’s final decision you can go to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal in England, Scotland or Wales, or the Appeals Service Northern Ireland.
If all else fails, this is one of those times that going to your MP should help (find yours via the WriteToThem website) many including Louise Haigh, Rebecca Long-Bailey and Frank Field have championed the cause of those affected by Concentrix's decisions in the House of Commons, and have urged those affected to get in touch with their MP.
HMRC's statement
HMRC’s chief executive, Jon Thompson, said: “We want to reassure customers who have had their tax credits stopped that we will prioritise their cases, and make sure that they are processed as quickly as possible. While it’s right that we ensure that tax credits customers only receive the money to which they’re entitled, it is vital that those customers have a high level of service.That’s why we have decided not to extend our contract with Concentrix and HMRC is redeploying 150 staff so that customers can get through to advisers and resolve any issues about their claim.”
Concentrix statement
A Concentrix spokesperson said: “We have operated professionally at all times and within the guidance set by HMRC. The HMRC statement not to renew the contract attacks our professional credibility, and the commitment of our staff who have performed determinedly, despite the issues with HMRC policies and procedures.
“In addition, throughout the contract, Concentrix has employed good hard-working people within the UK, at Concentrix expense, in order to staff phone lines and handle customer calls which were agreed by HMRC and were based on HMRC assumptions"
3 for 2 on Argos toys
This is a deal many bargain hunters wait for every year, as they like to stock up early for Christmas pressies.
Until Tuesday 27 September go in store or online to Argos and you can get 3for2 on over 3,000 toys, many of which are big brands – so buy three toys and the cheapest’s free. All toys that are included will be clearly marked, including top brands such as Barbie, Lego, Leap Frog and Nerf, as well as selected kid’s bikes (up to 20in wheels). Examples of toys included are the LEGO Star Wars Clone Turbo Tank £99.99, Zinc Plus Electric Scooter £129.99, and Disney Frozen Magical Microphone £12.99.
To max the savings it’s worth seeing if you can club together with other parents to buy the most expensive toys in the same transaction. For example buy three toys at £50 each and you only pay £100 – saving £50. But buy two toys at £50 and another at £10 and you’ll only save a tenner. Delivery’s £3.95 for most items, or you can order online and collect from your nearest Argos. You can’t combine this with other offers such as 2 for £15.
Martin’s Quickies:
40% off La Redoute: Go online to big French online department store La Redoute and enter the code BIG40 and you’ll be able to get 40% off everything (even sale items which are already up to 50% off), including many big brand clothes, shoes, furniture and more until 11.59pm on Monday (26 September). Examples include Levi’s jeans for £39 from £65, Adidas Galaxy trainers for £27 from £45 and women’s Nike trainers for £27 from £45. Though of course it’s stock dependent. Delivery is £3.99 or you can pick up from a collection point for free.
Cheapest new iPad pro: Buying new iPad’s is never the best idea. Best is to wait until the price drops, but if you do want the new 12.9 inch pro thengo online to Tesco Direct and if you spend over £150 you can get £25 off when you enter the codeTDX-HTNK which brings the price down to £548. That’s £145 less than at apple. Delivery is usually £3 (though may vary) or you can pick up from store for free.
Free eye tests up to £25: Two free vouchers. Just download one from Boots where it’s normally £25 before Sunday and use it before 16 October. For Vision Express where it’s normally £15 you’ve until a week Friday, to get it for use by 31 October. Alternatively Tesco Opticians also always offers a free eye test with no voucher needed. Remember, if you need a prescription you don’t need to buy glasses here – you can take your prescription to any optician. These vouchers work in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. If you live in Scotland, you’re entitled to free eye tests anyway.
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