Harsh rules force poor to spurn tax credits - The Guardian 9th October 2007

Gordon Brown's tax credit system is driving the poorest and most vulnerable people away from applying because civil servants are imposing unduly harsh tests to claw back overpayments, the parliamentary ombudsman says in a report today. Adding pressure to the prime minister's favoured policy for tackling poverty, another report today by Citizens Advice says the £16bn system is suffering a crisis of confidence. Its survey revealed that more than half of claimants would be less likely to claim the means-tested benefits in future as a result of their experiences.

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