Get As Much Publicity As You Can
Publicity has been the direct cause of some Tax Credit overpayment cases being written off, and seems to ‘fast track’ justice if you can make it as embarrassing as possible for the Tax Credit Office.
It also helps to get your MP involved at this stage, because MPs just love publicity that makes them look good. It can mean the difference between your MP actively helping you in your dispute, or just doing the bare minimum.
So, get as much publicity as you can. Contact local papers, magazines, television programs, radio phone-in’s, your unions or professional bodies. If you are willing to talk about your situation, it's a powerful way of letting the wider public know about the injustices that are still happening within the Tax Credit system.
Getting published seems to be part skill, part luck, but what Editors seem to like is topicalities. So, if you think you can link into an article which draws your attention, it's often worth pursuing with a letter. Want to remain anonymous? The media will normally respect your wishes if you ask them to, but include your name and address in your letters to them. Newspapers and magazines won't publish your letter if you write to them anonymously.
If you can weave 'Tax Credit Casualties' and the website address somewhere into your letter or conversation, you can help us to reach more people. Not only will this mean that more people blighted by this financial disease will get to hear about us, but we will be sending a clear signal to any politicians that we have an organized group and not just a scattering of disgruntled individuals.
A good list of UK papers can be found at Journalism Net.
Remember that one of the biggest cover-ups ever is going on regarding the Tax Credit system. The story has yet to break in a big way, and lots of journalists and editors are waiting for the right moment. Yours just might be the story that starts the avalanche.
Best of luck!
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Who We Are: Tax Credit Casualties (TCC) is a voluntary, unfunded, not for profit UK organisation run by members for members. We offer free advice on how to dispute unfair overpayments based on our own experiences, the experiences of other claimants and HMRC guidelines.
Our Standards: TCC was established to provide advice and guidance on disputing recovery of non-fraudulent tax credit overpayments, and to lobby for fundamental change on the inbuilt flaws and inequalities of the tax credit system. TCC operate in a professional manner and endeavour to give accurate and appropriate advice based on information provided by members. TCC endeavour to respond to members as quickly and efficiently as possible, given the voluntary nature of the organisation and limited resources available. TCC is an inclusive organisation and will treat all members in a fair and equitable manner.
Disclaimer: Please note that we are not tax professionals and are working on a voluntary basis, unpaid, in our free time. Between us, we have a lot of experience and knowledge in this area, gained over the last few years of supporting victims and helping them fight for justice and their rights. Whilst TCC provide guidance and information on how to handle disputes, and even provide an advocacy service in some instances, neither TCC as an organisation nor any participating members are responsible or liable for outcomes of disputes, which remain wholly the remit of HMRC, the Adjudicator and/or the Parliamentary Ombudsman, as appropriate and dependent on the stage of dispute. We cannot take any responsibility for decisions made by HMRC, The Parliamentary Ombudsman, The Adjudicator, or any other organisation regarding claimants cases. Legislation, operating practices and individual cases change all the time, and while we aim to be professional and accurate at all times, please understand the circumstances we are working under and accept our support, guidance and information in the sprit it is offered; goodwill and camaraderie.
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