Last chance to claim child cash

11.10.00am GMT Wed 21st Jan 2009

Sal Brinton, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate is calling on local families to claim over £500 in tax breaks under a little publicised government scheme before a 31st January 09 deadline.

Before the current system of 'child tax credits' was introduced in 2003, the Government made payments in 2001/02 and 2002/03 under a totally separate scheme known as the 'children's tax credit'. Many people were not aware of the scheme at the time and did not claim the money, and the deadline for claiming runs out at the end of this month. The credit was worth £529 to families who had children and paid tax in 2002/03. The money was paid at a flat rate except for higher rate taxpayers who got a reduced level of help.

Sal said: "In these difficult economic times, I am urging all families who are eligible for this tax credit to fill out a form and send it back to the tax office before 31st January.This tax credit was not very well advertised at the time, but now there is a chance for many families to claim back over £500 as long as they act now."

The forms are available at http://search2.hmrc.gov.uk/kbroker/hmrc/forms/viewform.jsp?formId=3282.

Sal said: "I urge those without access to the internet to contact our constituency office as soon as possible on 01923 238552 so that we can arrange to get them a form."