Child Benefit cuts could be unenforceable

[MaryPoppins]

The problem being: How can the government easily prove the connection between mothers who are not themselves higher-rate taxpayers and the higher-rate taxpayers they might live with? It’s easier to stop the mother getting the benefit if she herself is a higher-rate taxpayer. It could be done via her tax code. But if she’s not, how good will the government be at establishing whether she is living with a partner paying tax at 40%?

Link

How would I (as a non perm) KNOW I will always be in the higher rate tax bracket?

I don't actually claim CB, because I didn't actually realise that it was a benefit for all, when my son was born.

Seems this policy could cost more than it actually saves?

[shaunbhoy]

I don't actually claim CB, because I didn't actually realise that it was a benefit for all, when my son was born.

DOH!!!!

[Moscow Mule]

I'm pretty sure the HMRC database has my address on it.

Surely joining the addresses of CB claimants with the HMRC DB would be an easy place to start?

[Zippy]

The problem being: How can the government easily prove the connection between mothers who are not themselves higher-rate taxpayers and the higher-rate taxpayers they might live with? It’s easier to stop the mother getting the benefit if she herself is a higher-rate taxpayer. It could be done via her tax code. But if she’s not, how good will the government be at establishing whether she is living with a partner paying tax at 40%?

Link

How would I (as a non perm) KNOW I will always be in the higher rate tax bracket?

I don't actually claim CB, because I didn't actually realise that it was a benefit for all, when my son was born.

Seems this policy could cost more than it actually saves?

Claim CB now Mary. You pay for it via your taxes. And also make sure you get nursery vouchers etc.

[HairyArsedBloke]

Claim CB now Mary. You pay for it via your taxes. And also make sure you get nursery vouchers etc.

Aye, if it's going, claim it. Nobody should ever refrain from claiming anything they are able to get away with. They have no problem demanding money from you with the threat of violence if you don't comply so don't feel guilty for having some of it back.

This whole thing is a major clusterfrack. I think the plan was for it to be a preemptive strike. If they had not done anything then the left would go about moaning about 'the rich' getting child benefit. Now the whole plan is falling apart.

[MaryPoppins]

Aye, if it's going, claim it. Nobody should ever refrain from claiming anything they are able to get away with. They have no problem demanding money from you with the threat of violence if you don't comply so don't feel guilty for having some of it back.

This whole thing is a major clusterfrack. I think the plan was for it to be a preemptive strike. If they had not done anything then the left would go about moaning about 'the rich' getting child benefit. Now the whole plan is falling apart.

I think I'm going to.

I wonder if it might be a case of "ooh it's too difficult to sort out, let's just entirely abolish CB altogether".